The Spring Town Meeting held on May 5, 2025, in Millis, Massachusetts, focused on several key agenda items, including the establishment of a special fund for unanticipated repairs and a contentious proposal regarding tax exemptions for seniors.

The meeting commenced with a proposal to create a special fund designed to allocate a portion of the town's surplus funds—amounting to approximately $3.5 million in free cash—specifically for unanticipated repairs to municipal buildings. The fund aims to ensure that if the allocated money is not utilized in the current year, it can be carried over for future use. The moderator confirmed that the fund would strictly be used for repairs and not for any other school-related expenses, although some discussions touched on potential school-related needs, such as boiler replacements.

Following this, the meeting addressed Article 12, which proposed a tax exemption for certain senior homeowners. The finance committee presented a majority opinion against the article, citing concerns that exempting a portion of the community from specific tax burdens could set a dangerous precedent. They argued that such exemptions could lead to requests from other groups seeking similar tax relief, complicating the town's budget management. The majority emphasized the importance of maintaining a fair tax structure that reflects the community's needs.

Conversely, a minority of the finance committee supported the article, highlighting the potential benefits for vulnerable seniors who meet specific criteria, including income and residency requirements. They argued that the estimated cost of the exemption—approximately $50 to $75 per homeowner—was a reasonable trade-off to support those in need.

The discussion surrounding Article 12 became particularly heated, with several residents expressing confusion over the implications of the vote. The moderator clarified that a "yes" vote on the motion to not approve the article would effectively dismiss it, while a "no" vote would allow for further discussion and potential approval of the tax exemption.

Ultimately, the meeting concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of establishing the special fund for repairs. However, the fate of Article 12 remained uncertain as the discussions continued, reflecting the complexities of balancing community support for seniors with the broader implications for the town's financial health. The moderator indicated that further motions regarding the tax exemption could be made later in the meeting, leaving the door open for additional debate on this critical issue.