The Millis Finance Committee on Nov. 5 presented Article 6, a motion to appropriate $125,000,000 — including $1,300,000 for schematic design — to design, construct and furnish an addition and renovation of Millis Middle‑High School at 245 Plain St.

Committee chair John Lohr said the appropriation is contingent on the town securing a grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and on a debt‑exclusion vote under M.G.L. c.59, §21C (Proposition 2½). Lohr said MSBA’s committed grant would cover a substantial portion of eligible costs and that any costs beyond the grant would be the town’s responsibility.

Why it matters: supporters and the finance committee framed the project as addressing a school built in 1960 with only a late‑1990s addition and as a long‑term investment with a projected useful life of 50 years. The committee emphasized two practical considerations: the MSBA grant percentage for Millis is high compared with many towns, and construction costs and grant participation rates are unlikely to improve if the town waits.

Key details: John Lohr and other speakers reviewed numbers from the MSBA’s funding letter dated Oct. 29, 2025. Lohr said the MSBA’s approval places the town in a position where the MSBA share is estimated between $66,515,343 and a maximum of $68,256,981 (roughly 54–59% of eligible costs, as discussed in the meeting). He said the appropriation requires a two‑thirds vote at town meeting and that any borrowing would be authorized under M.G.L. Chapter 44 or other enabling authority.

Tax impact and timing: Lohr and other committee members cautioned residents that passing the appropriation and receiving MSBA approval would lead to a debt‑exclusion tax increase. Lohr provided one illustrative estimate: an increase of $914 annually for a home with a $605,000 assessed value. Committee members and other presenters repeatedly stressed the timing: construction and borrowing schedule mean the tax increase would not start immediately but would occur once debt service begins, likely several years from now.

Senior relief and process notes: speakers noted existing state and local tax relief programs for seniors, including circuit breaker options and other exemptions for qualifying residents; they advised residents to consult town offices for eligibility details. Several committee members urged voters to consider state reimbursement formulas and the risk that MSBA participation rates could decline in future cycles, arguing the present funding offer represents an unusually favorable share.

What was decided at FINCOM: the Finance Committee discussed the article at length and unanimously recommended approval to the town meeting. The article, as read, remains subject to the formal town meeting vote and, separately, to the required debt‑exclusion ballot approval described in the warrant and state law.

Provenance: Motion and discussion as read at the Nov. 5 FINCOM meeting; first motion read at the start of the Article 6 block and discussion continued through question and answer on MSBA grant, estimates, and senior relief.

Looking ahead: If town meeting and the required ballot question both pass, the town will proceed with design and construction under the direction of the Millis School Building Committee and may use the construction manager‑at‑risk delivery method described in the warrant.