The Millis Finance Committee voted March 19 to allow the Department of Public Works to spend in excess of three snow-and-ice accounts — Snow and Ice Wages, Snow and Ice Stipends and Snow and Ice Expenses — up to $75,000, and recorded the motion as approved.

The authorization follows the Select Board’s approval at its March meeting. Committee members said the DPW director has confirmed the department currently can cover most winter costs from existing equipment and operating funds, but recommended formal authorization so bills already received can be paid if needed before the next town funding action.

Committee members discussed how the snow-and-ice account is handled in town finance. Finance Committee Chair John Lohr said the request is an authorization to spend in excess (i.e., to allow the account to go temporarily negative) rather than a reserve-fund transfer. DPW Director Michael Gusinski told the committee that overtime and other staff costs directly attributable to snow-and-ice work may be charged to the snow-and-ice account when employees work those hours.

Finance Committee member Mike Kron moved the motion to authorize the DPW to spend in excess of the three accounts not to exceed $75,000; the motion was seconded by Finance Committee member Joyce Priardi. The committee recorded the motion as carried.

In the same meeting the committee voted to authorize the finance committee chair to sign and send a letter to state legislators and the House Ways and Means Committee about Chapter 70 and municipal school funding; the motion was seconded and approved by the committee.

No further appropriation was made at the meeting. Committee members said if the snow-and-ice deficit grows later in the fiscal year they will revisit the issue and, if required, consider a reserve-fund transfer or other budget action.

Ending: The committee closed the item after recording the two votes and moved on to its scheduled agenda items.