Millis Select Board approves $48.2 million FY27 budget, signs town meeting warrant

MILLIS -- April 13, 2026, Millis Select Board unanimously recommends a $48.2 million FY27 budget and signs the May 4 town meeting warrant. The board voted 3-0 Monday to forward the balanced operating budget, reflecting roughly 2 percent overall growth and a 3.5 percent increase on both the town and school sides, to the Finance Committee ahead of town meeting. Town Administrator Mike Kaczynski flagged two personnel plan changes included in the warrant: a Zoning Board of Appeals assistant stipend increase from $4,500 to $5,000, and a DPW seasonal worker wage increase from $15 to $20 per hour, citing difficulty recruiting eligible adults at the lower rate. The board also continued a public hearing on Eversource's proposal to install nine overhead utility poles on Norfolk Road after abutter Richard Lupino, 128 Norfolk Road, presented a Planning Board decision from October 2025 that he said explicitly requires underground conduit for the adjacent cell tower project, a conflict the board said must be resolved before any approval. Separately, Millis Cultural Council Chair Megan Keylope asked the board to consider providing matching funds equal to the council's roughly $7,000 annual state allocation; the board indicated it would revisit the request in November when free cash is certified.