Millville Election Results: Override Fails, New Officials Elected
Voter turnout surged in Millville this year, with 645 residents casting ballots—more than triple the turnout of a typical town election, which usually draws just over 200 voters. The unusually high participation came as residents weighed in on several key issues, including the proposed Proposition 2½ override, which ultimately failed, and the election of new town officials.
Voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposed Proposition 2½ override: with 154 votes in favor and 491 votes against, the override failed by a large margin. This decision signals a clear stance from the community against increasing property taxes beyond the standard limits.
Understanding the Override’s Rejection
Proposition 2½ allows towns to raise property taxes beyond the automatic 2.5% increase to fund town services or address budget deficits. The proposed override would have increased the tax rate to fund essential town services, such as public safety, education, and infrastructure projects. However, with the override’s failure, the town will need to find alternative solutions to address its budgetary needs.
A Big Line Item: Education
A large portion of Millville’s budget is dedicated to funding the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District. This includes operational costs for the schools, staff salaries, maintenance, and educational programs. The failure of the override means the town will have to find ways to balance the school funding within the existing budget, which may lead to tough decisions.
Since Millville shares the school district with Blackstone, any funding shortfall could also affect both communities. School officials may need to look at alternative ways to make up for the lack of additional funding, which could include cuts to school programs, extracurricular activities, or even staff layoffs. These potential changes could impact not only Millville but also Blackstone, as the two towns rely on the same regional school district.
Prior to the election, on the evening before the polls opened, Keri Greene Gaudette, the District Treasurer and member of the Financial Subcommittee, addressed the community regarding the school budget. She highlighted ongoing efforts to alleviate financial pressures on the town and shared this information on Millville Facebook groups:
Gaudette’s remarks came just before voters headed to the polls—a reminder of the real-time impact financial decisions have on every household. And Tuesday’s results made it clear: residents are paying attention.
With the override defeated, voters have now set the direction Millville must take—tightening the belt without sacrificing essential services. The message from the community is one of caution, but also one of accountability: every dollar spent must reflect both the town’s values and its financial limits.
Voting Power and Its Implications
In a regional school district like the one shared by Blackstone and Millville, decisions on school budgets often come to a vote. While Millville residents may voice their concerns, it’s important to recognize that Blackstone, with its larger population, holds more voting power. This could impact how the school budget is shaped and approved, especially if Millville’s share of the funding becomes a point of contention due to the override’s failure.
If Millville’s budget is perceived as insufficient to support its fair share of the regional school costs, Blackstone’s larger voting bloc could influence how the final budget is decided. In the worst-case scenario, this might result in budget cuts that disproportionately affect Millville, given its smaller share of the voting population.
Implications for Millville
The override’s failure means Millville will need to operate within its current budget constraints. This could lead to difficult decisions regarding funding for local services and projects. Historically, towns that have faced similar situations often have to cut back on certain services or delay important infrastructure projects. The upcoming town meetings will likely focus on these issues as officials reassess priorities without the additional funds the override would have provided.
Next Steps for the Community
Now that the override has been rejected, Millville’s officials will need to examine the budget closely and determine which services can be maintained or where reductions may need to happen. Residents should stay engaged and attend town meetings to stay informed about how these decisions will impact the community. Your participation is key in helping to navigate these tough choices.
Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for the community to stay engaged. Don’t let the conversation end with the vote. Attend or watch town meetings, ask questions, participate, and make your voices heard. The work doesn’t stop here—there’s still a lot of work to be done to ensure Millville remains a strong and vibrant community. Your input is needed to help guide the decisions that will shape our future.
Election of New Officials
In addition to the override vote, Millville residents elected a new slate of officials. The community welcomes the following individuals into their respective roles as announced by Selectman Jennifer Gill right after the votes were counted:
- Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee: Keri Gaudette (Blackstone), Jane Reggio (Millville)
- Board of Selectmen: Richard Bremlist, Rachel Anderson
- Constable: Richard Bremlist, Roland Desjarlais
- Highway Surveyor: Richard Bremlist
- Planning Board: Pamela Williams
- Town Clerk: Kelly Cote
- Tree Warden: Peter Ryan
- Veteran’s Park Committee: Elaine Ethier, John Hadley
Unofficial results are posted on the Millville Town website.
Moving Forward Together
The failure of the override highlights the need for thoughtful discussion and community involvement in local decision-making. As Millville moves forward, the town’s residents will need to stay engaged in the budgeting process to help shape the future of their community.
Your voice matters— the community should continue work together to ensure Millville continues to thrive!
