Millis approves $47.27 million FY2026 budget after heated debate over new human-resources positions

Millis voters approved the town of Millis’ fiscal year 2026 operating budget, $47,269,970.30, after more than an hour of discussion that focused on a newly proposed human-resources department and competing calls to reallocate that money into public safety positions.

The budget, presented by the finance committee and moved at the meeting by Peter Underhill, passed at a voice vote after floor debate. John Lauren, chair of the finance committee, told voters the FY2026 budget represents a 6% increase over FY2025 and is balanced. "The town has a balanced budget," Lauren said during his presentation, outlining new hires and an organizational change that would create a human-resources function for municipal and school employees.

The most contested element of the budget was a newly created human-resources line item of $189,500. Resident Cathy McGinnis moved an…