Millville Residents Weigh Affordability vs. Essential Services in Upcoming Vote

On April 1, 2025, a packed informational meeting at Millville Town Hall shed light on the town’s precarious financial situation, as officials presented a proposed $775,000 Proposition 2½ tax override for the upcoming town election. While the initial budget deficit was around $620,000, the override request reflects the town’s need to stabilize finances, with the town working to reduce the needed amount to around 650,000 dollars.

As previously reported, the town faces a significant budget deficit, and without the override, vital departments like the BMR School District, Fire, Police, and Highway will face severe cuts. Town officials have worked to make it clear that this is not a choice they wanted to make, but a necessary one to preserve the town’s stability.

Fire Chief Eric Liard, Police Chief Ronald Coupe, members of the Board of Selectmen, and the Finance Committee addressed residents, outlining the critical need for the override and the potential consequences of its failure.

Financial Realities and Override Details:

• Budget Deficit:
  • The town faces a significant budget deficit, initially projected at $620,000.
  • The requested override is $775,000, with town officials working to reduce that number, estimating the amount needed is around 650,000 dollars.
  • The town can no longer rely on “free cash” to cover deficits, making the override essential.

• Override Allocation:
  • BMR School District: $375,000
  • Fire Department: $175,000
  • Highway: $25,000
  • Police Dept. $60,000
  • Additional investments. $140,000.
• Consequences of Failure:
  • Significant budget cuts would be necessary.
  • The town’s stabilization funds would be depleted, leaving it vulnerable to future emergencies.
  • State intervention and loss of local control are possible if stabilization funds are depleted.

Resident Concerns and Official Responses:

• Affordability:
  • Residents expressed concerns about the burden on fixed-income households, particularly seniors.
• Transparency and Accountability:
  • Questions were raised about past financial planning and the need for long-term solutions.
  • Residents requested regular updates on how override funds would be spent and monitored.
• Public Safety Impact:
  • Chief Liard and Chief Coupe emphasized the necessity of the override to maintain basic public safety operations, warning of potential layoffs and reduced hours.
• Town’s Position:
  • Officials reassured residents that the override is a last resort, following significant internal budget cuts.
  • They stressed that the funds are crucial for maintaining essential services and preventing a drastic decline in service quality.

Millville Residents: Your Vote Matters: April 7th

The upcoming election on April 7th is a pivotal moment for Millville residents. This is the residents’ opportunity to directly influence the future of the Millville community.

Community Engagement is Critical

We urge all Millville residents to participate in this important election. Your informed vote will help shape the direction of the town. It is crucial for the residents to work together to ensure a strong and sustainable future for Millville.

What Blackstone Residents Should Know:

Regional Impact:

• The BMR School District’s funding is directly tied to this override, making the outcome relevant to Blackstone families with children attending those schools.
• Mutual aid agreements mean that Millville’s public safety cuts could indirectly affect Blackstone’s emergency response times.

While Blackstone residents won’t be casting ballots in Millville’s election, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences. Millville’s financial decisions will directly impact shared resources and services. We encourage our readers to stay informed about the election’s outcome and its potential effects on our interconnected communities.