Millis building commissioner seeks town vehicle; committee weighs reuse, mileage and decals

The Town of Millis building commissioner presented a FY26 capital request for a dedicated vehicle and told the Finance Committee on March 12 that inspectors currently use personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement.

Joe (building commissioner) said inspectors are reimbursed for mileage when they travel on town business and that several employees currently use personal trucks. He asked the committee to consider either purchasing or leasing a pickup for inspections work. Committee members and town staff discussed alternatives: the capital committee will investigate whether a surplus Council on Aging vehicle could be transferred for inspections use, whether magnetic signage or permanent lettering would be preferred, and how DPW would handle mechanical maintenance.

Why it matters: Committee members noted a capital purchase would need to be weighed against mileage reimbursement costs and operational considerations. One member suggested calculating historical mileage reimbursements (quoted in the meeting as roughly $2,000–$3,500 per year per inspector) to determine if buying a vehicle is more economical. The capital planning committee planned to review mileage history and rank the vehicle request at its next meeting.

Operational details and identification: Committee members recommended the vehicle, if purchased, remain at the municipal center overnight rather than be driven home by staff. They also discussed badging and identification for inspectors who visit private property; the building commissioner said identification badges are being implemented and that any town vehicle would be lettered “Town of Millis — Inspections.”

Ending: The capital planning committee will review the request and supply an operational recommendation at future meetings; finance staff asked for mileage and reimbursement history to support cost comparisons.