Millis voters approve charter change to make town clerk an appointed position, 147–13

Town Meeting voted to amend the Millis Home Rule Charter to change the town clerk position from an elected office to one appointed by the select board (as reflected in the charter language printed in the warrant). The change passed after a standing tally: 147 in favor, 13 opposed.

Supporters said the change aims to professionalize an office that has grown more complex and time-consuming, moving the role toward a full-time, salaried department head who would be supervised within the municipal management structure. Proponents noted the expanding statutory requirements for elections, records and compliance and said the town needs continuity and full-time availability in that position.

Opponents urged preserving the clerk as a locally elected, independent official and warned that appointment could reduce electoral accountability. Several longtime residents and former town clerks spoke against the measure, citing the office’s historical role and statutory duties under state law.

The moderator called for a standing count after the voice vote was not sufficiently clear. The tellers and town constable oversaw the count; the moderator announced the result as 147–13 and declared the motion carried. The petition language will also appear on a ballot question at a forthcoming municipal election, per the warrant and state rules requiring ratification steps for a charter amendment.