Millis Finance Committee Backs $48.2 Million FY27 Budget for May Town Meeting Vote

ABINGTON — April 8, 2026 — Millis Finance Committee reviewed a proposed $48.2 million FY27 budget and a full town meeting warrant at its April 8 meeting. Finance Director Jody and Town Administrator presented a budget built on a 3.5 percent increase for both municipal and school operations, with new growth estimated at just $350,000 against a 92.85 percent residential tax base and nearly flat state aid. The committee heard a detailed presentation from outgoing DPW Director Jim McKay and incoming Director David Romacci on a $1.2 million water meter replacement program — supported by a required two-thirds borrowing vote at May town meeting — after roughly 1,000 of the town's existing meters returned zero readings in the most recent quarterly cycle. The committee also reviewed a $200,000 Community Preservation Committee award to Metro West Collaborative Development as seed money for a proposed 48-unit, $28 million affordable housing project at 1178 Main Street, with Executive Director Barney Heath confirming the units will be fully taxable and that 70 percent local preference applies only at initial lease-up. The committee approved April 1 meeting minutes with a correction changing a reference to Tri-County's debt assessment from "a fixed charge" to "a variable charge based on number of students."