like it after the meeting. All right. Town administrators report. Andrew, >> thank you. Uh Lacy and Lacy Marshall and I have heard back um for a potential health group we might join. Um they invited us to a meeting on March 11th.
It sounds like it's probably good news, but I'll report back what that means for us going forward financially and then structurally what that means. >> Usually an invite to a meeting is better than a than a letter. >> Yeah, exactly. Um it's at a restaurant, too. So, >> okay. >> Um
I started work on the town meeting articles. Most of them are done or pretty much done. Um obviously there's some big ones outlying um Lakeville Country Club potential resoning. That's a big one. I haven't touched that yet, but a lot of the meats and meat and
potatoes of the town meeting is done. Um, and then the last one is we heard back today and the embargo has been lifted on the uh fiscal 26 body worn camera grant program. Lakeville was awarded 65 grand. Um, we were one of 32
departments across the state out of 85. Um, so it's great work by Matt Perkins as well as Lieutenant Maltes. Um >> what's the last award in like 2020? >> Yeah, it was around then. Yep. Um so this is the last year of the program. Um
and they applied for 100 grand. Um so they're going to be probably looking for maybe 10 to 15 out of capital. >> Okay. >> Which I think is a good idea to do. So that's all I have. >> Important safeguard for our officers and people. >> Definitely.
>> All right. Any questions? Andrew? No, we have no minutes this evening. Wow, >> that's fancy. Um, and our first agenda item is a joint meeting with the finance committee for discussion and possible
vote on the FY27 budget update. Andrew, do you want to walk us through this? >> Yeah, I'm just going to invite Mike up up first. >> Now, we can support the mic. It's fine. You can sit over there. >> Thank you for joining, Mike.
>> Thank you. >> So, this is more or less the third time um we've kind of given an update on the budget. The other two times are November 19th and January 20th to talk about the status of the town uh regarding the budget. Um so
what we did I'm looking at this piece of paper if anyone wants to look at it with me as well. Um so I gave a background of where we stand kind of structurally. We have really good stabilization balances. Our free cash balance um while it's not very high, it's not all that bad. 1.7
million. Um what is pinching a lot of towns and communities is we is uh fixed costs which is insurance, healthcare. Um and as you can see that's 571,000 that comes right off the top that is it's pretty much mandatory that we have
to kind of dish out. Um our new growth m quick question for sorry fix cost that 571 that's all health >> healthare there's others in there. Yeah, it's property liability and then county pension. >> Um, our new growth, we're estimating for
140,000. Um, the worst new growth we've had in the last 15 years is 136,000. So, we're not all that far off. Um, potentially the worst new growth year coming up. >> Well, if you adjust it for inflation, we really are.
>> Yeah, it really is. Um, and another I guess warning sign is um this January and February of 2026 are the first two uh months in a row consecutive that we haven't actually given out a building permit for residential. Um, that's only happened
one other time in the last six years. Um, so the market's kind of drying up. Um, and so also the capital plan, which I've met with the capital committee a couple times, it's in a holding pattern until we kind of figure out some of these underlying issues.
>> Um, so we, Mike, myself, Lacy, Emily have gone over multiple kind of scenarios and that's exactly what they are. These aren't glued yet down on paper. Um, we have a basically no override or if it fails. We
have a $2.5 million override scenario and then a $4 million scenario. We'll go over what those mean, but those could easily be 3.5, 5 million. Really depends on what the board wants to proceed with as well as the finance committee. Um, so
what we what Mike and I and I can maybe turn it over to Mike probably now to go over the receipt estimates. We're trying to kind of change the structural issues that exist within the budget. Um so I think over the last couple years we've kind of strayed away from what we should be doing to kind of push off another
year >> to keep the budget going and I think it's really putting a pinch on us long term. Um so Mike, if you want to go over this section. >> Yeah. So kind of starting at the top above that yellow highlight Andrew had mentioned the 140,000 in new growth. Um
that's a somewhat wild card number. Um, we brought the state aid to where it was last year when we lost the smart growth just to be conservative because it's an unknown right now and I hate to plan for it and not get it. So, we're just leaving that alone and if we get it, we can amend in the fall in our favor. Um,
local receipts were kind of maxed out as Andrew mentioned two years in a row and when you set the tax rate you are you are not allowed without good reason to go above the prior year's actual. we were at like 95% 98% in some categories.
So the margin to go above the prior year actuals was very small. So we're trying to bring some of those back down to earth. We're trying to bring motor vehicle back down. Um we're just bringing some of the miscellaneous receipts down um because I don't want to find us in a situation where I can't set
the tax rate because we went we estimated too high. So it's it's good to be conservative there. Um, and then further down, we're trying to build in a small indirect cost from the parks department, as you can see, $15,000.
Um, and then we have a debt payment um that's recorded in those uses on the second page. That's a transfer in from the uh septic uh debt service fund. And then same as last year, we decided to use free cash for the reserve fund and then stabilization for a mandatory
interest payment for the asawset windows and doors project. Um that has not been permanently borrowed yet. Um so it's it's on a short term which we're not required to make a principal payment, but we are required to make an interest payment right now. Um, I did build in a
small non-mandatory principal payment in the debt portion on the on the second page, the use page. Um, which I think is good practice because that payment is not going to go away. Um, and then, uh, kind of starting at the top of the general fund expenses page,
we left everything on the town budget side level funded with the exception of contracts that run through fiscal 27. So, people that we know get increases and then there's some uh police department increases for different contractual obligations, but for the
most part, we did not include any steps, any colas, nothing in this scenario. Um, theoretically, it's an unknown as of June 30th, 2026 because we don't have contracts after that date. So,
um, the scenario gives the school department only 400,000. Old colony went up 140, but we found out today that that's going to drop down to about 113, I believe. And then the agricultural school is somewhat of an unknown, but you feel about 50,000 is a
comfortable number. Um, Andrew mentioned the fixed cost, the 571,000. That's next. Um, as you can see, it's health insurance, uh, liability insurance and Plymouth County retirement. And then debt service, 225,000 is what
we have to build into the budget. And then the 1.1 million is raised on the recap. That's exempt debt. >> I had a fold there on the Plymouth County retirement. >> Sure. >> So Plymouth County retirement's probably gone up about like 30% over the last few years, which is >> that's amazing. Mhm.
>> Is there any mechanism to go back to Plymouth County and ask for some relief? >> Well, someone did that. Um I believe it was East Bridgewwater. >> East Bridgewire and Hanover did. >> Yeah, >> I think they were rebuffed. I don't think P County moved on it. >> I I think I think there's power in
numbers. >> Um I would like to see if we can move the needle on that at all. uh and just see if there's any desire from the other towns to have a collective because >> I know everyone's pretty much any anything that's a small town uh is
pretty much sitting where we're sitting right right here today. >> Yeah, that's a big number. I think their goal really was to refinance it basically and spread it out over a longer term and less pain. >> 30% increase is just unsustainable for small towns. >> Yeah. A $2 million hit right there. Yep.
It's uh it's expensive. So we do predict it's going to be paid off in 2031, right? So >> yeah, at the end of 31 it would be paid off, which would mean that would go we'd probably get reduced by 2 million. >> Just in case you guys want to know, back in 2020 it was going to be paid off in 2028.
>> Yeah, it's a put too much store in that number. >> Um and that's that's pretty much it. Um the cherry sheet assessments is uh you know charges against the revenue and then the offsets in the overlay. We didn't put a lot in overlay last year because we were kind of scrimping to
balance the budget. So the state is recommending we put a higher amount in this year. So you see the $220,000 at the bottom there. Um so this, you know, bare bones being conservative leaves us with a $645,000
deficit with no override. So you know obviously presenting a deficit budget to you with this scenario. And one more piece of that, um, when the governor's budget came out, she had, um, I guess allocated us 675,000
for smart growth. Um, I've since talked to a number of players on the state scene. I guess more towns are coming into the program next year. So, most likely we're going to get diluted pretty pretty far down. >> So, that's why I took that estimate pretty far down. Yeah. >> Um,
>> Madam Chair, Andrew, where's or Mike? Where's the smart growth on the revenue side? >> Um, so under the state aid column, so the first column on the revenue side is property tax and then the second box is state aid. It's the education portion, the 365 >> sheet education.
>> Yes, sir. Y >> thank you. >> Yeah. And then um the the next two scenarios are identical to everything I just explained except up top in that property tax revenue box, we plugged in
where we would be if in fact we did a $2.5 million override. And then the third scenario is if in fact we did a $4 million override. And you can see at the bottom of page two what that that does to that $645,000
deficit. Obviously, uh we end up in a surplus budget, you know, um which as I mentioned, we're only giving the schools 400. We're not giving anyone steps in and colas or anything like that. So, yeah, 2.5 gives us a $1.8
million surplus budget, but there are still some factors the board would need to consider. >> Can you remind the board how much the school is asking for? >> Initially speaking, 2.5 million. I've heard that's gonna come down significantly, but I don't know what
it's going to be. Uh, but under two million. >> You don't think it's gonna be 400? >> Under two million, I think. Yeah. Not 400. >> Yeah. And then, uh, I think some people are wondering why we're at the level with a 675. And I just wanted to call out that in
the last few years, we've invested in our public safety above and beyond. And we had uh four positions funded by CARES and then ARPA funds for our firefighters. Um and that is about 470
benefits included like 470 of that 600,000 um where we're funding it now instead of ARPA funds. >> Um where we've been able to parlay it since 2020. Now, uh it's incumbent on
the town to pay for the uh the correct safety staffing um in order to on the town. >> So, we have a lot of options kind of outlined. I think a lot of this, and correct me if I'm wrong, Mike, swings on what we give the schools
>> over the next five years. Um just theoretically, if let's say we give their full assessment, that override takes us one year with a $2.5 million override. I think what we want to do is cut the assessment down to a reasonable amount
and make it the override go three to five maybe more years. >> And you know the problem with that that we have no control over what they're going to submit to us or what they're going to do at town meeting um any year. I'd love to hear from the board members
on initial thoughts. >> Madam Chair, if I may, um, so these num, you know, you're recommending a 2.5 override and what's the second one? >> Four. >> Four million, which >> four >> would obviously be, you know, more
long-term. You know, it's a bigger number, so it would get more years out of it. As Andrew mentioned, the school could say we want our 2.5 and then we're kind of even with a past 2.5, we're right in the same spot we're in now next year. Yeah. So, >> let's assume we only what's voted on is what we recommend for
the schools for the moment. >> Mhm. >> Um the 2.5 versus the four have we looked out to 28, 29, and 30. I thought you said it only takes us one year basically if we do this
>> for the right. >> Yeah. Well, I mean you have options here, right? So 2.5 in this scenario if nothing changes gives us roughly $1.8 million. Let's say the school says, "Yeah, we'll take the 400." We can then transfer some of this money to a stabilization fund for future use.
>> Absolutely. >> Um and then offset kind of a pay as you go school assessment and use that as a funding source from stabilization. Um, you you could even start a third stabilization fund like a special purpose stabilization specifically to be used to help offset school assessments
or or anything really. Um, so there is options if the school doesn't gobble up the $1.8 million surplus assuming a $2.5 override passes. Um, but I can't speak for the schools. They may want their >> understand
right we can't predict what's going to happen with that. So if we do the four the 4 million does that buy us a couple years? Let's assume the school budget stays a sustainable number. >> Ideally it takes us to 2031 which was
then when the pension hopefully comes down which is another 2 million we save. >> Um I think everyone knows all the new growth potentials in those outlying 28 29 30 like Rocky Woods, Lakewood Country Club. All these projects are going to come in around that time period
>> potentially >> potentially. So hopefully in 5 years we're looking better >> structurally. >> Yeah. >> Predicting is Oh my god. I mean I'm meteorologist. I rather predict the weather than predict what funding is going to be from the state and
development is going to be in in these communities. I mean we have no idea obviously what the state's going to happen in the state. A lot of that's the federal level and but we have to make some assumptions. So the four million buys us five years
potentially. >> Yeah. >> And then we get functional again if we actually either have development which we don't have >> or or Yeah. retirement or >> uh we pay off some some debt.
>> Yeah. >> We don't have a lot of uh operating debt. It's mostly excluded. So >> we owe about $1.6 million 1.650,000 650,000 on the house at windows and doors project and that's really our only chunk of >> and we're very fortunate to be in that position
>> thanks to MSBA. Yeah. Yeah. >> We don't want to probably ever entertain doing what some other towns are doing as far as their borrowing for their capital items. I don't know if you read the same articles I did, but a lot of towns out there for the last few years have been
doing borrowing for their capital items in order to sustain uh new police cruisers uh new everything basically anything that they had to buy they they bought as a uh excluded debt. Mhm. >> Um so, um I don't think the board here
has any interest in doing that. Um based on the conversations we've all had together here, um we're left with a lot of decision. I mean, a lot of good decisions to be able to make here. >> There are I mean, as much as we're like
doom and gloom, there are some areas of opportunities. We talked about a meals tax that might bring in 125 grand per year. You probably saw the investment income is is estimated a lot higher. I think we're going to do things we weren't doing in the past that maybe we should have >> to raise more money.
>> So, there are ways we could raise money. Um, there are ways we could cut expenses. Has to be targeted obviously. Um, but >> I know the board has seen lots of documents back and forth on what some cuts would look like um for some
department heads and uh from the department heads um from where the uh where that money would come from and that would put us in in an operations deficit um for all of these scenarios.
Sorry for the soft voice. I know I'm surprised I didn't get yelled at. Um, Madam Chair, I know that our priority was to maintain um, resident services and staff. So, >> yep. >> Um,
you know, in order to meet that, I don't know what that's going to look like with, you know, 645 deficit, but and what that would look like for the schools too with only funding 400,000. So, um, my concern is that, you know, I mean, I know as member
Blanca had indicated that you know to be able to forecast you know finances is is always very difficult because it's always a moving target but I want to make sure that you know it that we're not under asking
>> going back because I you know it's hard I think it's hard enough for us in the first place to even put it out to the taxpayers but it's not our job to say no we're not doing it override or no we're not you know we are doing an override. >> No, it's our our job to bring it to the people
>> to the people. So, um but as long as you know we're having these discussions and open and and the residents can hear our deliberations on it, um you know, it's what we put forth on town floor if we are to, you know, put an override
article out there and it's up to the the residents decide if that's how, you know, they want to go. But I just don't want to underfund it and come back again. I'm not, you know. >> Yeah, I agree. I mean, it's a fine line between a reasonable number that the
residents and taxpayers can afford and but now we're asking them in a year or two versus a larger number that buys us four or five years. >> Yeah. Uh, had we had this conversation three years ago when we started our
saving um conversation, we might be in a different space, but we played it out for as probably as long as any town can by um by tightening belts um using grants um using ARPA funds
>> um you know u constraining wages all of those things. Um we've been enacting that for years. So um it's not like this is a first bite at the aquel here to constrain that. It's just uh economic conditions have made it very difficult
uh for all the towns in Massachusetts rural towns in Massachusetts that is. Um any comments member Hunt before I open it up to the finance committee? I, Madam Chair, I just think if we're going to vote for and endorse any type of
override, we certainly need to cut everything to the bare minimum. And I mean that means in my mind no new vehicles in town uh a freeze on raises as as much as that
>> recording in progress. Um, you know, we have to cut as hard as we can in order to say that we've done as much as we have internally, as much as we can internally while still asking people to give us more of their money. >> Yeah.
>> For our shortfalls. >> Yep. And then um my kid said the steps and levels and coloss are not increased in here >> at all. So we putting that >> So this is it. >> Yeah. putting that given that it's because that is exactly the things that
we've asked for. Um there's also other things on the table um cutting down days of service um uh for departments. There's some other things, but the contracts are difficult to make, >> right? And I understand and and we've
hit on the topics of of the potential layoffs that could happen if unions push for raises and so forth and but >> layoffs compound overtime, compound expenditures there. We lose personnel, we lose coverage, we lose staffing.
>> You know, you don't say that >> the money the money does not uh cease from hemorrhaging. Yeah. >> Um, you know, and I I I am the old guy at the table when I keep saying I remember, you know, 0001 years in
negotiations or half half and 3/4. Then I then I went out into the private sector where you either got something or you got nothing, you know, and had to be borrow and steal for that. So, I think we have
to we still have to cut hard no matter what. >> And get that 645 down to zero. >> I'd like that. >> I would. >> What that looks like? >> I would. >> Yes. >> Can we get a version of seeing what that
would look like? >> You probably tell you right now what that would look like. >> I'm looking at their like faces like I I know I've seen some documents from before. You would, so this is how I would do it, as draconian as it would be, is you would cut every job that's been frozen,
which saves you about 300 grand. Um, you probably bring up the sheets just a little bit. Um, potentially use onetime money. Um, if the board doesn't want to do that, we'd end up probably cutting five or six people.
Um, with this scenario, it cuts 40 teachers, so probably going to be cutting 50 people across the town. 50 plus or would get us down to zero. >> I don't like if you want to expound on that, but that's probably the darkest way to do it.
>> No. Um really that's the calculation we came up with. We we built this zero scenario with this $650,000 deficit, $645,000 deficit with that kind of in our back pocket. We knew we could make that zero, but it was painful. you know, we knew it was upwards of 40
personnel um in at the schools alone and you know, public safety, general government, every function would feel the effects of a potential cut to close that gap. So, and of course, um no colas, no steps, no nothing. So, your existing employees would be, you know,
that would be something they'd feel as well. So, >> there is always a fallback plan. It's not something I'd ever recommend, but the board wants to. So people have probably caught on since July 1st. I probably mentioned I've been keeping free cash in reserve. >> It's for this dark day where like if we
want to not cut anyone, we just plug the hole with free cash and >> Mhm. >> survive another year without cutting anyone. >> Um but that puts us in a structural deficit. >> Yeah. Then we go in into a deep deficit at that point and couple snow events and we're broke.
>> And it leaves us very tight on money. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Not not able to respond to emergencies. >> Yeah. Yeah, and you know, free cash is great to fund your capital plan so you're not borrowing. I think you had mentioned it a little while ago. Um, and yeah, we want to obviously do a bare bones capital plan. You know, we don't
need all the flashy flashy toys if we're sitting here making cuts. But I have been part of a municipality where we cut out the capital plan because we were in dire straits with our budget and then it does come back to haunt you because then all of a sudden you need five cruisers instead of two >> and you need uh dump trucks and sanders and then all of a sudden you have like a
$3 million capital. Uh I've been >> so um it's kind of pick your poison, you know. So >> Madam Chair, I mean I look at one of our neighboring communities right now talking about 6% cuts across the boards for everything, right? I think that's where Berkeley is.
>> You know, we have people in this town that have food insecurities. We have people in this town that have potential housing insecurities if expenses keep going up. And that's what that's what overrides and and more stuff like that does to us. And there are people that
can't get any more money into their account, you know. They are on they are on super fixed incomes down to the penny, you know, and that it pains me to think that we may be asking them for more.
>> It's about 200 for anyone at home or people here. So $200 for every 1 million that we put on override >> per year. >> Per year >> on on the average lakefield home which is deemed to be 540,000. >> It's now 625. Okay.
>> Yeah. I actually have it right here. So average assessed home value 625,926. The average tax bill is 697. If we were to add a $2.5 million override on that, that average tax bill of 6,97 would go up $494 for 2.5
million. Then it would go up $788 for 4 million. So, um, and yeah, when you do the math, like Andrew said, it's about 200 bucks per million on the average tax bill. >> And then obviously, as everyone knows, the fire station is about to come on, people's tax bills. They probably haven't even seen it yet. And then
obviously, old colonies come up again. So, there's a lot, it's a tough time to ask. Yes. >> And I Yeah, you I'm glad you brought the fire station. So, if we do raid stabilization, if for whatever reason the school says we want our million, we want our 1.2 and we don't pursue an
override, I just want to caution that when you start rating your stabilization, the bond rating agencies will watch that and then when we go to borrow for >> it'll be a higher percentage. >> We're going to pay a higher percentage. Yeah. So you lose it in >> there's always there's always a
>> productive >> loss and nonproductive cost. >> Yeah. So I just wanted to point that out. So >> I want to open it up to finance. >> I think you guys have done a good job of covering it. I guess um obviously communication is going to be key as always letting people know what kind of
what we're talking about here the different scenarios. Um yeah, I mean ultimately the numbers are what they are, right? Um and it's how how how much do you want to cut and how much do they people want to cut in services? And maybe some people might think, okay,
we're losing 40, you know, 40 people, which is not great, but that won't impact me. >> You know what I mean? As harsh as that sounds, >> absolutely. Um, and I don't know how people are going to react, but it is it is a tough time with everything being said with the fire station and um, you
know, everything else going on. So, I don't want to speak for the rest of the finance committee, but is it is a tough recommendation to make. I'm not saying I I wouldn't before it, but I just really have to be thoughtful about how this will impact people um, as a
community and individuals. So, >> absolutely. Yeah, it's being in finance. I know the numbers are what they are and you can only do so much. >> Yeah. >> Uh something has to give, >> but um yeah, it's a tough situation for everyone. >> It is.
>> Yeah. It's it's a it's it's tough because you know, we talk about a bad economy for the for the town as you know, doing a budget. It's equally as bad of economy for the people that are paying taxes.
I I can't I can't see the majority of the people voting for an override. Not not in this environment. So I guess my question would be when they vote now, let's say they shoot it down. Now what? So it it's I think it's better to going
back to what Paul said, cut everything to the bare bone. Now, if you got at least you showing you cut everything to the bare bone and I I haven't even begun to look at the school budget, but I I'm sure that's probably what 63% of our of our overall budget.
>> Yeah. 60 64 >> 64%. So, unfortunately, it's and I know everybody's going to want my head on a pike for this, but you got to start there. The their budget is unsustainable, always has been, and it keeps growing nonstop. What's the what
is the the change in We had less students this year than we did the year before. Correct. >> The 2030. >> Uh so you know what's what's next year though? You know at some point we have to get to the schools and that's you know also free town getting involved saying enough. We have to I don't go go
pay as you go. I I don't know but someone has to get that >> Thursday's conversation. I know, but I'm just saying. So, but this is where we are cuz we're talking about an override, but we still have this issue to deal with here and we're asking, you know, potentially $788,
we'll say on average for people to to start putting out what they just gave us a fire station was desperately needed. 100% I backed 100% willing to pay that bill, but I I don't see you getting this override. I really don't. So, we better
be planning for a backup plan. because I can't I can't support that number. >> Larry, to follow up on what you said about the the unsustainability of the schools >> back in I'm going to say 2009 2010, our
budgets were the same as the schools. They were $500,000 apart. So, school budget now is 53 million >> uh something like that. I don't have it in front of me, but sounds >> just when you're thinking of, you know,
how >> stagnant we've tried to make our budget and and and not move up and and stuff and and how different it has been with the experience with the school and you know, it's it's not a a crying point, but it's the way the state set it up. Um
the funding mechanism of a regional school um is a very difficult uh not to crack for any select board as they do not have control over what gets cut and over what gets spent on. Um and it becomes uh there's no oversight of
it. It's really the school committee that is the oversight to it. >> Yeah, I I I get it. It's just at the end of the day, we're writing the check to the school. So, someone has to, you know, start there. And, you know, listen, our police, our fire, you know,
they they work pretty pretty tight in their budget. I I I can't imagine asking either one of the chiefs to find a way to work with less staff. I just can't. I mean, I I I've, you know, spent a lot of time with the fire chief. What do you get rid of? You know, at some point,
you're going to have to, you know, hire a driver for a for a truck. You know, I mean, it's it's it's tough. So, I I don't see where you do the cuts, and I don't admire you for having to look for them, but I I'll gladly help, but it's it's going to hurt. It's going to hurt.
And like Paul said, you got to start with the the flashing lights. You know, I don't know. What do we usually do? Two cruises a year. >> Two. >> Two. And maybe we got to skip a year. Do a little more oil changes. I I don't know. I I listen, I'm in that business.
I I get it. I But I know what these police cars cost now. Mhm. >> So, you know, maybe we got to skip a year for that. I I'm never going to say lay off or police are fine ever. I'll support the override first, but if we can't do some cuts at the school and do
some cuts in other places, I I don't see how any member of the town is going to support that. I know I won't. >> I mean, I think my colleagues kind of said it best here. The thing that's most concerning to me is it doesn't really seem like there's a great option
any way you look. I mean, either you have cuts and then I don't really see how the operations of the town uh really function properly or you raise taxes and uh get on the bad side of most of the public in town because that's all I
heard while I was out there was it was uh their property tax increases. I do have one question though. Um, how long have you projected out the 2.5 million and the or 2 million and the 4
million increase? How long will that plug the hole, so to speak? Like, are we going to be back at the drawing board next year or the year after if we do the 2.5 million? >> Yeah. So, we're there's just so many unknowns right now because all all the contracts on the town side are unsettled. The school contracts unsettled. Their original ask was 2.5
million. We're only giving them four. Um, if the $2.5 million override passes, theoretically the schools can gobble that right up and then we're relying to balance excluding school to balance the budget on just our new growth and our 2 and a.5%. >> Um, but we think that we can get
probably four or five years out of the four million I'd say. Um, you know, if they choose to keep a 400 to $700,000 ask at the schools and, uh, for the two five, you know, two years maybe best case. Um, but it's there's just so many
unknowns. >> So, just to clarify, you keep saying 2.5 million. That's what they asked for, but we're saying we'll give them 400. Is that >> That's correct. >> 400,000. >> 400,000. >> Yeah. 400. Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. 400,000. >> Yeah. >> That is correct. >> So, probably where So, where is like can
we just say we're not giving you 2.5, we're only giving you four? Like, >> yes. So, that's >> before you say that, give them say we're giving you nothing. >> So, to piggyback off that, like Justin asked how long could a 4 million or just say a 2.5 get us? We're gonna present this at town meeting and say we're going to give 400,000. I can't predict whether
or not the school will stack the room in the auditorium and and amend the budget on town meeting floor and say we want the whole 25. And then the answer I give you tonight as how long this will give us is null and void at that point because they just asked for the whole the whole windfall has been done every
single time. >> What if we say we're not giving them anything like what happens? we have to disaster. >> Yeah, that might be a question for council, I guess. But yeah, >> people I mean, if we're cutting we're making cuts like >> they maybe they have to reevaluate what they're asking for.
>> We have a threshold of the net school spending. >> Yeah. >> Have to meet that number >> on Thursday. >> Yeah, I'll be there. >> And I think we're we're over I mean we're >> over by about 2.5 to 3 million. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> And I remember when it came down to
that's all we were funding was net school spending. >> Yeah. And then we have to Freetown has to agree to that too. Um so whatever we do, Freetown has to kind of agree to the same funding levels otherwise that triggers a joint town meeting. Um
to Larry's point, it's just not sustainable. Like they can ask what's to stop them from asking for more, you I mean, I know there are limits and whatever, but it's just we're going to be having this conversation five years from now, and it's going to be >> five times as much. So, >> I used to love this conversation every year, right?
>> Because they they just never stop. >> They just never stop growing at a rate that I can't even fathom. >> You know, gold bricks don't make smart kids. >> Yeah. And four years ago, we didn't see the percentages climbing in health insurance. Like so you know you ask if a
$4 million passes yeah we think we can get four or five years but who's to say that health insurance doesn't go up even higher or counties go up even higher you know there's just so many unknowns so uh best case we get four years five years on a 4 million but >> um but you are right I mean it's unsustainable right so our 2 and a half%
without a proposition two and a half override passing is roughly $750,000 per year we raise that's two and a half% on a $30 million tax limit our new growth as Andrew mentions is 140. So that puts us at 890,000. So the schools come in and ask for 2.5. We're already
underwater by $1.7 million. So and that's if you don't change a penny on the town side. >> So um >> that's why I preface where we had to start in my opinion. >> Yeah. So, >> and I get that it's a district and they have, but at the end of the day, when
Freetown and Lakeville get together and say, "Do whatever you want, but this is what we're writing the check for," then they kind of don't have much of a choice at that point. Some point, we have to take some control, I would think. And and I know there's been talk about other options. And no one wants to go nuclear.
I get that. But 7 $788 a year to oh what's 33% of our community is retired thereabouts don't have kids in public school somewhere in that area 30% whatever that's a big number for
them I don't have kids in school you know this there you know this is a lot for people that are on a fixed income this is a lot for people that just get by every single day so I don't see I don't see it happening But maybe the people, wealthier people in this town
will show up at town meeting. I don't know. We'll see. >> And um you bring up a good point about um the schools. I don't know that we've done everything we can possibly do with partnering with the schools. Um I mean the schools are the region. Maybe they'd
be interested in intermunicipal position sharing or you know something to bring the cost down. They've never showed any interest in the past when it's been brought up, but um there's some duplicative processes between the town um and some positions that possibly uh
we could >> do something about, but it has to be on both sides. I don't think we can compel it. >> That's just my two. >> Um nothing nothing too much to add to this. I mean, I don't have any confidence that an override is going to pass based on what happened with the
school vote. Um, kind of echo everything Larry says about the school budget. It's been like that since I joined him before. So, it's just not sustainable. >> Another point on the school budget, and I'm pretty sure this is how it would work. The way the minimum contribution
numbers are, if we give 400 grand, Freetown's contribution be negative 400 grand. So, in effect, the school's increase would be $0 next year. So, um, the way I take away this is like, yeah, there's a school problem, but
there's a town there's a big town problem as well. So, >> I don't want to dump on one side or the other too much, but um, either way, we have to find a long-term solution. >> So,
bring back Saturday strategy sessions. >> Is that new road figure uh, similar to other towns of this size? Do you know? >> Um, >> or are we just struggling compared to our neighbors? >> I honestly don't. I'm not sure if you've researched that. >> Um, a lot of towns are in the four and the fives.
>> Yeah, >> we're a lot lower than most places. >> Interesting. Do we know why? >> Um, just from me being here the last year and a half, there's a lot of push back on a lot of projects. Takes a lot takes a lot to to get a project going. There's
some big ideas with projects, but these products take years and years and years. >> Um, >> but I think that's important to be said out loud is that >> development. >> You can't you can't have it both ways, right? >> So, that's just something for people to consider. >> We have tough circumstances like the
hospital, there's not a solution on that property that's going to be any less than 10 years most likely. So, even if a big developer comes in tomorrow, >> it's going to be a long time before they actually do it. >> Could have been halfway done by now, but >> Yeah. Yeah, that too. But
>> but in all fairness, you residential new growth is not going to take dig out of a hole. It's going to dig us in deeper. >> You you are right that in order for us to facilitate long-term budget stability. It would have to be a
component of some type of development in town. I I agree and that's why I joined economic development that if we can get business that's not a a burden on the on the community's resources and it's basically free cash and and you could
attract people based on our tax system which someday we could you guys could explain to me how that works. Um but our commercial tax system I can't understand why a business wouldn't want to come here. We just got to find a place to put them. >> Utilities are a big deal. utilities and
that it depends on where you where you're going to be in town. A reality. Yes, I get that. Water is a is a commodity in this town. I get it. So, it matters where we put them in town. >> But at some point, the residents have to realize that that's got to be the solution is that's going to either make
us or break us. And you look at a town like Norton, you know, they they weren't in much better shape when I lived there seven, eight years ago, and now you look at that place. But the residents don't care because everything was put in a certain area and they're
and they're in much better shape now. So I think that's something that needs to be really talked more about to the residents cuz you even mentioned the word commercial here and everybody loses their mind. I got killed on Facebook because I even said the word warehouse. >> Yeah. And so the way the way the
geography works here is a lot of places you could put business. There's like absolutely no utilities. >> I I get that. >> Like just the MBTA lot. We we spoke with Midvaro maybe two two weeks ago. They said there's no no chance for water, no chance for sewer. So like you really
can't do a whole lot there, you know, so even residential. So it's it's going to be tough, you know, and that's where a lot of people want to see business go. >> Yeah. Because it tucks it away. >> Exactly. Yeah. But there's I'm sure there's there's got to be some business
developer that has the foresight and willingness to do something like that and figure it out. It's got to be. I mean, listen, they're willing to turn a a entire neighborhood a entire wooden area that's built in ledge into houses. So, I'm sure if you could figure out how
to put commercial, they jump all over that, you know. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. just uh unfortunately commercial is not profitable right now. It always kind of swings industrial commercial but right now it's residential. >> Taunt's putting a lot of commercial in. >> Yeah, I know. I was Yeah, I was there
when they did some of it, but um they have utilities. They have sewer and water throughout the whole town. >> That's that's maybe something we got to start looking at is these areas and what we can do. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But that's >> it's only a couple hundred million. >> But again, there's options. There's
options. There's big enough companies that would be willing to do that if we let big enough companies in. >> Yeah. Um, >> can we ask a question? >> Is that okay from the budget? It's okay if you don't, but I just have a question. >> Can you come up to one of the
microphones, please? >> Uh, Michael Smith road. So, I understand the um the overrides and stuff, but if you're going to want people to buy into it, I'm going to the first question I'm going to ask is, okay, we do this, but
how what are we going to change so that one, it doesn't happen again, and two, we're going to need a plan to increase our revenue because if it just seems like we're just here and we can't keep going to the taxpayers, oh, we're going
to raise your taxes and stuff. We have to go going forward, we have to bring more revenue into this town because the revenue we're bringing in now is not sustain it can't be sustainable because obviously of all the expenses going up and everything. So I
think this town and you're all very smart and you work very hard but we have to think out of the box. I mean commercial 100% we're in the bottom 20% of the state but there are a lot of things that we have to go against but I think the
all the building we're doing residential is killing this town it's killing the infrastructure it's killing the schools because what's it cost $23,000 a child a year to go to school and you know we get promises well we do these
big developments we'll get taxes And I mean to me I would any anybody who wants to build a new home or developer because most of them don't they're around I would charge a 5% tax on their selling price. I mean, if you want to build here, if
you want to make money on this, and if you know, and if and and if if if you're going to make money on this, then we need we need a source of revenue to offset the cost that they're going to bring in. So if someone wants to do a
development of 100 homes at at 500,000 that's you know 500,000 at 5% that's money coming in and that's what I'm just talking about. I'm not saying it's feasible but we got to think out of the
box because I mean you almost have to do a building moratorum because we can't afford all these people coming in with their kids or the infrastructure because we need more police. Frank needs more stuff for the roads. So if if we don't have the plan now in the
future, people are just going to walk away from from any thoughts of of doing an override. So I think in the future it has to be revenue. Expenses are only can only go so low before you don't have any services. So thank you very much and
thank you for your work. Um, so, uh, going on the the point of making sure we have any type of, uh, things going forward, I know you brought up some things. One time money is nice, but obviously that's not that's not going to
do anything for the budgets long term. It has to be continued revenue sources. Um, I don't think we have the best reputation for being friendly to business in Lakeville. I think uh talking to other select boards um they
they love us because people come from other towns and do their business there because we don't have the reputation for being friendly to business. So um there's something we need to do like like you were saying Mike we need to do
in order to make it more business friendly. We're just starting with economic development again. Um but uh the people of the town have told us time and time again that they want rural character and this is what this is not being insulting. This is what rural
character looks like in an economic crunch. >> Um and this this is what not having um unsightly development of of warehouses and um and industrial places. This is what this looks like. So if this is, you
know, where the people of the town want to go, there is a a consequence to that to be quite frank and this is the consequence and it's an unsustainable way to manage budgets going forward. Um,
and I would love to see some businesses come into town and not get any opposition um, as far as businesses, but um, I do not want us to be the hottest residential spot in town all the time. Um I I don't think it's been a great
strategy for us and even though we haven't done more than 16 units of building this year and and last year we had like 26 or something. I know there's big plans um that and that gets all the attention as but this has been the
slowest building that we've ever had in the last three years um as compared to other units being built. So, I think there's a perception that we're that we've got a lot of building going on, but it actually has not happened. Um, there is no building going on, and
that's actually a problem, too. Um, but having stuff staged out, but economic development is number one. Madam Chair, I think the public should be reminded that to piggy back off of your comment on commercial development
that um the commercial devel missed opportunities from the hospital property that's about with the levy, property tax levy and the excise tax from previous proposals, not the last one. easily a million dollars a year that we
are we've lost because of that failed uh because the project was not voted on. So the residents should be reminded of that. And I know like you said we well know everybody wants the rural character but rural characters rural rural environment comes with uh unfortunately higher property
taxes unless you can get those commercial opportunities like the warehouse and that's a million dollars a year. We would have been getting that would have been probably done eight nine years ago. The original proposal probably would have been done eight nine 10 years ago roughly. was
>> the first one. >> Oh, the first one. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> 2009. >> Plenton's very happy with your decision. >> You want to talk about keeping a rural community through Plenton? >> Their town runs on Cisco. >> Of course they do. Absolutely. What's
wrong with that? They don't they don't buy any equipment. The Cisco buys it >> and and shame shame. I don't know who was sitting here, but shame on them because, you know, and the town let it happen. And that's my fear with everything we do with economic development is that they're going to do
the same thing. And like I said, Planeville's pretty rural. It's a pretty village looking community. So it doesn't just because you have economic development doesn't mean or commercial building doesn't mean you're going to lose your rural feel. Um
there's there's places to put it and nothing for nothing, 105 is a great place to put it. Um, >> we don't have any options besides 105 and 18 really. >> Right. True. True. >> Right. That's our economic corridor. >> Yeah. Unless you want to go down, you know, off what I'm going to say, but
we'll put a strate Yeah. strategy together for that. >> So, that's Yeah. I mean, I don't even know if Lakeville Country Club is in place or something like that. It's so off the beaten path. Who wants to have a a commercial building in there? I don't see that happening either. But,
>> we have to look at something. And I agree. And you know, as far as going back to well, there what Mike said about um you know, doing the tax that's great except for most of this building is all 40 building anyhow. So it exempts them from any rule that we ever could imagine
which which is insane to me. But >> Andrew, are you looking for a vote of the board tonight or just an informal proceed with what things look like statement? >> A little bit of both, I think. Um, probably about a handful of us have put a lot of work into all this. And there's
stuff that you guys aren't seeing obviously that we're ready to like present depending on what we talk about tonight or take a vote on. Our one of my conundrums is I did 2.5 and 4 million. Those are just random. There's no rhyme or reason behind those to be honest with you
>> because you don't have the number from them from school and I don't have I don't have a a real discussion between these two boards what we would be comfortable with 1 million, 2 million, 10 million. It's they're all just numbers right now. >> Um so if it's let's say we don't want to
do an override, we would go back today and tell you how we get to zero. There might be some severe consequences for that. >> Mhm. >> Um but we're ready to like fly out of the gate with whatever decisions made. Um our problem also is
we run out of time. Y >> um takes 35 days to call an election. Do we want to do that before or after town meeting? If you do it after town meeting, you're gonna be potentially put in pink slips >> with one week notice. >> Um, >> when's our drop dead date? Sorry for the
term. When's our drop dead date um for the town election? Is it >> last week? Two weeks ago. >> So, it has to be a special. Mhm. >> Um, is anyone comfortable with making a
motion um for something on the page or something that they want to advocate for? And I'm comfortable with multiple motions as well. >> I should also say there's a lot of different ways to do an override. One number, >> two numbers. I've seen like five
numbers. I've seen menus where you it's uncomfortable. So you put every department on a piece of paper and say this is what the number is. I don't like I don't personally like that. Like I know Edmonton's doing that. Um so we I think that we prefer probably two numbers or three numbers. One number is
kind of you can do it. It's just I've kind of gathered around like in two numbers probably. >> Quick question and I understand we're going to have to put something on. I get that. What if we pardon the split the baby here came up with an alternative
plan of all right we're going to cut this this this and this and now we need this to get there >> and that's why I said there could be multiple motions I think >> that's that's what I think is if you're looking for something that's palatable that's more palatable than just putting a $2.5 million or $4 million override or
I don't care how you break it out but if we can at least put together something that says okay we're going to cut this this and this and gets us down to I don't What? Whatever the numbers, what's what's our number right now? 600. We're negative. >> 600. >> 645. So say we're going to cut and we
got rid of three, you know, 300,000 here. That leaves us. So we need a million dollar. >> That's a little more palatable. At least they saw that we tore apart things. I'm And I'm not advocating anybody losing a job. I I know that's terrible, but at the end of the day, it's about taking care of the overall community. Mike, if
you could you tell us what it equated to get rid of the steps and levels and the zero cola >> because that's a cut just in case >> like put a dollar figure to it essentially. That was about 400,000 was it? >> If we gave 3% to people >> we gave 3%
>> that's about 450 grand >> and then the steps and levels. >> Oh, that's all baked in. >> And then the additional hires >> 300. >> So total 700,000. >> Yeah. which is why that number. >> Just to let you know that that's the
first that's the first swipe at the cut. It's not that it wasn't cut. It's you're you're looking at the cut the first cut of the budget. Not saying there's not more, but I want to make sure everyone knows, especially people at home, that we've already cut 700,000 out of the
budget and and it is 700,000 of people costs the budget. >> We don't also have a whole lot to cut. Um you have like one person in the department. >> The two big expenses is Frank has a lot of road maintenance lines totals up to
about 150 grand. >> Yeah. >> Um obviously police and fire have a lot of overtime. >> Yeah. >> You could kind of cut some of that stuff. Um it were in a long-term contract. It would have to work with us to renegotiate that. He's under no obligation to do so.
>> Um but we could do that. there's just not a lot of >> expenses. It comes into salaries >> and that's been for the last three years of not, you know, adding anything on and constraining things. So, this wasn't an accident to be this lean. But now, where
to cut when you've already been lean for years and years makes it more difficult. Um, yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. And last last year for the fiscal 26 budget, Andrew and I went, it sounds ridiculous, but line by line and we did a budget the actual from 25 to
26. And if you were $50 turned back in your office supplies, we cut the $50. If you were 100 in electricity, we cut the 100 in electricity. I mean, that's how desperate we got last year. So, we didn't leave any, you know, any fluff. Yeah. >> As Andrew mentioned, those are the two biggest appropriations. Non-s salary
would be the road repairs and the IT contract. Outside of that, I mean, we stripped $20, $25 if we could. >> Um, so, so we really, we really took it down last year. So, >> just to let everyone know that that is a cut
>> and not and not a starting point. That's that's what a cut is. >> Madam Chair, what do we need as a placeholder for to start the override process? I would say we would need a vote for either some cuts, some
additional cuts if if one has a motion on the additional cuts. Um and then have that in conjunction with um having an override vote. Um and and having the uh the warrant for the vote would be the
the first one and the second one would be filling in the dollar amount >> with an override vote putting us another $7,500 in the hole. Yes. >> Yeah. >> You mean the cost of the election? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah.
>> We could have it after, but then we would be what 112 budget and try to do there's different options. Um I've let's say theoretically we do a May election, it fails, the town meeting passes.
This board could say let's have another one July 15th and it passes sloppy and messy but it would work but that's I don't know if that's something wants to >> why can't you go to town meeting first get the then go to
>> you can you can >> does that make a whole lot more sense >> it's just I the only way I the con of that is if it fails at town meeting let's say it passes town meeting and it fails at a ballot handing out pink slips the last two weeks of fiscal year, which you could do. It's just
>> and then you have to wait another X days in order to call another town meeting in order to address it or you can't do it without >> and it becomes cyclical. >> So town meeting um through you, Madam
Chair, gives the select board the um authority to um put a ballot out there to borrow money. The ballot says we could borrow the money. >> Okay. So, you can borrow the money against the
override. >> So, we can put the override on the back. >> Right. No, I I get it. Yeah. >> It's usually done with town meeting and then >> Right. >> Right. But we do have the option to put it. >> What date would you recommend?
>> I don't have a date right now. Um I was thinking probably miday if if it fails at town meeting first then there's no vote >> vote and conversely if it fails first at the ballot
>> then then we know at town meeting >> yeah it doesn't you know it's not >> yeah then we know at town meeting and we can address the actual budget without being >> oh yeah when maybe that's a more reasonable let's see if if it passes it
ballots >> and then we have town meeting after >> right conversely if it fails right we have a budget meeting first and then fail the bot to come back again I would assume call another town meeting to go through the budget >> or no we
>> yeah it would be a cycle where you sound like you've got the gist of >> if um if I can madam chair if if at town meeting it doesn't pass the article doesn't pass then it doesn't matter what was stated
at the ballot. >> Oh, instead Yeah, the ballot first. Yeah. Yeah. But it has to pass the vote unstand. >> But I I think the the smart choice would be the ballot >> first in order to address it at town meeting after either way. >> Yes, I would think every community would
do that, but that's not always the case. What happens? I mean, most do it after the fact, but just a matter of >> Well, it's just we got to spend the money on an election that we don't have. >> Yeah, I know. I know. But I think it puts us in a better position at town meeting to address it if
>> we won't have it later either. So, >> just >> if the board wants to have a discussion with the schools on Thursday, um >> get a get a better feel of some things and then in two weeks we come back with a final. there's no snowballs chance in
hell that there's not going to be an increase that we can absorb from the school. I think there'll there'll probably be a number that's not 2.5 million, >> but I still think it's important to get the ballot out there, but that's my >> that's my take on it in order to be
>> I would agree with that. Yeah, I'm not optimistic that the school sent with a sustainable budget >> and what I'm seeing in the school fe >> and especially what's going on with the contract involved
>> and past history is teachers pack the town meeting as well. So we they would vote it regardless if we could fund it or not >> and that would be detrimental. >> Agreed. Do we have time
to put this question forward? If we meet on Thursday with Freetown and the schools, do we have time by the next meeting to maybe take a vote? >> And that's it, right?
>> Timewise. And are we meeting on the 17th? >> Scheduled to >> Yeah, I think >> is St. Patrick's Day a recognized holiday. Irish. >> It's the high holiday. >> Okay. So, it's the 17th.
>> You need 35 days. Call an election. So, just you run it from there. >> Yeah. >> You tell them. >> I will. >> Um, does everyone feel comfortable with doing it Thursday instead of today? >> Maybe that makes sense. >> Is there another vote that wants to be
taken today, though? I know that you were talking about more cuts. Is there something specific that you wanted to suggest for a cut? >> No, there's nothing more specific that at this point in time that I can suggest for a cut. We've we've done a pretty
good job of that already. We have to figure out what the palatable figure is going to be. We have to have an idea what I mean, it's got to go to the it's got to go to the people for a vote. And I I agree that the likelihood of a
override passing in my opinion is slim. But I think if we had a palatable number as I was just comparing numbers with Mike and you know if we're if we're talking a $400 increase a year or $100
per quarter that's somewhat palatable. I understand, you know, there are people that can't >> couldn't afford that, you know, but if I think we'll know a little bit more after meeting with Freetown and and meeting
at the school on Thursday and get a feel for that. Again, town meeting floor is always has always scared me as far as people rating other people's budgets and if it's still >> Can you make it can we make it the agenda item or like
>> I think we have on the first one isn't it like fiscal 27 budget >> and budget sustainability >> impossible vote >> there's no vote but I mean I'm thinking the feedback we get we then say hey we want to do 1 million or two million and
then we take that vote in two weeks. >> Okay. I just don't want to miss our opportunity and push it down. >> Vote right then. >> We can take a vote and then later >> we could take a provisional vote and
then ratify it at the next meeting if >> none of the books. >> No, no, no. And I've been saying this for like what three years now that this is where we're going. And we've tried our best to see if uh the economy corrected if anything uh corrected for
healthcare for reimbursements from the state who continue to underfund uh us and um development which we don't see and it it looks brief. So, I appreciate everyone's desire to
try to think of the options um that we have in front of us and knowing that um I'm pretty sure um and I don't want to speak for everyone, but I'm pretty sure no one here um is uh too keen on going for an override. So, I appreciate
everyone's willingness to uh think about what I have. Um, all right. I think we are done and done with this topic. >> I think we're done with >> Does the finance committee have any other items they need to discuss?
>> Um, any new business? >> No, do not. >> I'll make a motion to resj I >> or second, sorry. >> All right. All right. You >> I name I thank you very much.
>> Thank you. >> Yeah, it's all good. >> Thursday. >> Okay. Next item. Discussion. Possible vote. part-time elected officials on health insurance. Um the vote on the conversation here is to
see if we can resend uh healthcare and life insurance benefits for part-time elected employees. This does not for everyone at home. This does not
include the uh the town clerk. >> Correct. That's the first question I get every time. I think we talked this to death um at the last few meetings. Is there anything else that anyone wanted to talk about
before we took a vote? >> Right. We have um Madam Chair, we have council here with us this evening. >> Hi council. >> Hi folks. Good evening. I'm just here to answer any questions. I know that I've,
you know, emailed back and forth they drew answers to various questions and to the extent that there still are any, I'm happy to answer them. Um, you just tell me what you need from me. >> All right. Does anyone
have on the board have any questions? >> Okay. Again, this is to >> remove health insurance for for elected um town part-time elected town officials. starting um with the next election.
>> 3126. >> 3126. >> Do we No, that was the >> That was the the vote. Right. Right. >> So the the date on that would be
the the election date. Correct. >> This election or next election? >> This would be this coming election. That's 46. 47. It's right on 46, >> right? April 6.
>> And and again, can Madam Chair, let's remind everyone who is currently eligible for that matter. >> Uh it is the select board. It is the board of assessors. It is the uh >> the board of health and again town
clerk's not in consideration. They are full-time. And that is the sum total of who we would offer it to. So, anyone coming into these positions starting April 6 or even go the day before um April uh April
of 2026 would not be eligible for healthcare >> and it's mad it's five select board of health is >> three board of health >> three assessor thank you >> so the goal is to phase it out over
three Okay. >> Yes, we have to take care >> because I'm like, wait, who how many what's the election cycle? I'm thinking planning board in my head. I'm like, no. But yes, so it would be over three years because we wouldn't be able to take it away from people that already have it existing. It would be newly elected.
>> Right. >> Is there discussion, Madam Chair? >> Um, let's discuss among the board first and if I have a minute. Any discussion among the board? Everyone feel >> so that is health insurance and and or
stipens >> or or >> this is just health insurance, >> right? So the people getting stipens for not taking health insurance would continue to get the stipen. >> You mean the buyout? >> The sure
>> it's just called it's the opt out for the buyout. >> Okay. Um, the only thing on this agenda is the health insurance. So, it's not listed in a way that would >> But if you I'm sorry. >> Oh, no. Go ahead.
>> No, if you're not eligible for the health insurance, you wouldn't be eligible obviously for the the opt out. So, as I understand it, what contemplating right now is >> I'm sorry, what was that? >> It takes care of itself. Right. I mean, it's it's new newly
elected people moving forward, no health insurance, and no eligibility to participate in the opt out. >> So, if you vote for one, Paul, you get the other one free. >> Okay. >> I Yeah, I I I know we discussed it. I I
didn't take that as the intent or the tone from town meeting floor, but I I know that we had discussed it that we didn't want to take health insurance away from people. Right. And so it would continue through their their term.
>> Correct. >> Right. But would that also be the same for for those getting the opt out would they would continue to get that money through >> until the end of their term? >> Until the end of their term. So, if you get the health insurance, that gives you the eligibility for the opt out. If
you're not getting the health insurance, it negates your ability for the opt out. I'll take a motion. >> I'll second the motion. >> Oh, I said I take >> Oh, I I don't I don't do >> You don't do the motions?
>> I do. Do you mind? >> Who wants to do her? I'll make a motion. Um, do we even have a sample motion here? >> No. >> Can we get a sample motion on the fly?
>> I would move to discontinue eligibility for uh health insurance for uh part-time elected officials effective what was the date you said? April >> 46 046 >> 4626
>> April 6, 2026. >> So moved. >> Second. >> And a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> I just have one thing to say. Um I know we're doing the right thing, but it makes me very upset to take health insurance away from people um in this
environment. So do we know? >> Oh, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Add in newly elected. newly versus newly selected. Um, >> we got that. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Um, >> no. We're in the middle. We have a
motion for a second and any further discussion? >> No. >> So, may may I ask councel for when we were talking newly elected, that's not if you get a a a second or concurrent
term, right? This uh we if you were currently >> election is new. Oh well, but election is new. So like the election starts every time >> each time. Well, I'm I'm just making sure the verbiage is correct so that there's not a loophole for someone that
>> is currently receiving it to continue receiving it because they're not newly elected after they were reelected. >> Right. it. So typically this is just you know you only maintain it for the current existence of your current term.
>> Running rer runninging for election is a new term and so you would be newly elected at that point. >> Okay with you. >> Okay. >> Carboni. >> What happened to the discussion?
Mike, you're not entitled to a discussion. You are. You could be recognized by the chair, but I >> So, we can't we can't discuss. >> You can discuss it if you would like to say something. >> Oh, that's all I'm going to do. >> Oh, I thought there was a discussion before the vote in case anyone wanted to change. Isn't that normal when you open
up for discussion? >> Sometimes. Yeah. >> Okay. >> I don't always recognize people from the audience, but is there something you would like to add to it? >> Oh, 100%. Now you you're going to make that face, but I have something to say. >> Oh, please.
>> So, I'm kind of missed that we sit here the last hour talking about draconian cuts and maybe taxes going up and how awful this budget is and how sad it
could be for a lot of people. But we can't continue to do what you want to do. And and to be honest, whatever you vote tonight is non-binding. Just so you know that it can be changed at town meeting without a warrant or without a
petition. And I wanted to avoid that. >> Like what can be changed at >> what can be changed >> without a warrant? >> Yeah. So >> can I >> if you'd like me to weigh in, let me you let me know, Madam Chair, when you like
me to weigh in legally. >> So you can do that like when we go to your It says stipens, select, whatever says $60,000. We can vote no on that and take it away
from you. We take that away from you, then you get no insurance. And then we save because right now it's costing us $150,000 per year for your stipens, your buyout, and your insurance. Two people cost us
$55,000. So we're talking about trying to save money. What can we do? But yet it seems like the only one who's going to get hit are either the employees or us. >> Are you under the impression that we didn't just vote to get rid of
insurance? >> I'm talking about See insurance for new people coming in. >> Right. >> Right. So that could be what? Two people. >> No, that's anyone that gets voted in at the next meeting. >> Yes. Voted in. But what about the people
who have two or three years left? >> So you mean you want a warrant article? >> No, I don't want a warrant article. What I'm saying is is that what we should be doing is that we should be eliminating the stipens for everybody this year. Everyone's got to feel the pain. We do.
You should all the towns around us don't pay stipens. Okay. So, if you do that, then we're going to say 60 60,000 in stipens, another 45 in buyouts, and 55
in insurance. So, how can how can you go to town meeting talk about cuts and everything, but yet you're collecting money for what? I don't understand. I don't understand the buyout. You're all full-time employed. You have your own
parents. So, why aren't you saying this here? Well, what I would like for you to say, because I know I know you, you're all good, guys. We all got to make cuts here. We all got to make sacrifices. What you should be doing is saying,
"We're going to cut away sipons for everybody. We're going to do this without pay like all the other committees do." All right? You have to lead by example. I mean, this isn't any of your fault. I'm not blaming you, but it is on your watch. And people are going to be
looking at you. And there's going to be morale problems. And if you come to the forefront and be and come out and say, "We're going to make sacrifices, too." Because if you have to lay off 20 pairs or two or three pairs and your 150 could
save that, I I I just don't understand the the justification. And there's no more 32b to hide behind. You can do whatever you want now on 32B. Okay? You can make this decision. But if you don't do it, then we have the power at town meeting to
turn down your stipens. We can say, "Nope, we're not paying you anything." Middleboro does it all the time. Dartmouth does it all the time and we shouldn't have to do that. And if you think people are going to be in the mood to pay for that after maybe paying 800 a
year or watching or not camp buying cruisers or or uh watching people get laid off. I don't think that's going to be a problem and I don't think that that it should be up to us to do that. I think you should be
doing that on your own. Thank you for your opinion. >> Madam Chair, I just wanted to point out that this um item on the agenda was specifically regarding health insurance. We weren't discussing stipens. We weren't discussing >> without stipens. You don't have health insurance.
>> That's not true. >> Yes, it is. So, please consider it. >> I'm just I'm just pointing that out that this was just the discussion about health insurance. >> But without health without stipens, there's no health insurance. >> All right. Moving on to the next item,
please. >> Could I just make a comment? >> You may make a comment. >> Thank you. >> I know you don't want to get rid of the insurance for the ones that are currently on it that have maybe two or three terms, two two or one or two years
left on their insurance. However, there is such a thing called if you take it away from them now, everybody as of April, they can apply because it comes under extenduating circumstances and they can get insurance on their own.
>> So, let me get clarification. We can only do that to people in their terms at town meeting. >> Is that accurate? So, >> so someone that's currently in a term, >> our opinion is is that you can't you can't discontinue health insurance for
someone in the middle of a term because that raises due process issues. >> Okay. So, that was the >> but the three people that are on it currently now can well afford it on their own and shame on them. sound council.
>> We can raise the premium on them though for >> this is not this is not >> it doesn't matter because you don't really care anymore. >> Yep. Obviously. Thank you. >> Yeah. Have a nice day. >> Madam chair. Do you need me to be stay on for any further? >> Uh we have the host.
>> May I have a host community agreement? Um may I like to move this along? >> Okay. >> Apparently um we have a host community agreement. Do we need >> I don't think so, but maybe just in case if there's any questions
>> on that. >> Okay. >> All right. Host community agreement. Uh select board voted to approve the original host community agreement with North Northeast Alternatives on November 25th, 2025. It was not countersigned
until February 2026. The requested provision would update the effective date to March 2026 so it is in line with the actual date that the HCA was executed. Andrew, do you want to speak to this? >> Um, I can probably turn it over to Emma if there's any further. That's that's
pretty much what it kind of is. Yeah. So on the existing uh HCA, the one that was approved back in November 25, um the language and if you the supplemental sheet I took out, it shows the revision where the effective date
would have been in August 2025 or excuse me in November of 2025, but it wasn't signed. It wasn't counter signed until this February. So the um the other party asked us to just amend the effective
date so it's closer to when they actually executed the agreement. >> Okay. And is there any risk or anything that we are concerned about with signing this agreement again? Anything that has changed?
>> No. >> So moved. say the motion. >> All right. So, I'll make a motion um to amend the host community agreement between the town of Lakeville and Northeast Alternative, Inc. um to adjust
the enter date as of March 2026. Effective. >> Second. >> Motion and second. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call. I >> I do carbon. I
>> thank you folks. You just signed signed one within the date. >> Thank you. I appreciate your time. >> Do we have it in the sign folder? Yes. Okay. Perfect. >> Uh item number four. >> Good night. Now, >> good night. >> Item number four, discuss the possible
annual town election warrant of April 6, 2026. Uh attached is the annual town election warrant outlining all offices to be elected at the annual town election scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026. The town clerk respectfully requests that
the select board read the warrant into the record as outlined. Okay. Um, I'm going to read the entire warrant for everyone cuz they're dying to hear it. Uh, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Oh, wait.
>> We also have a constable return. Notice we don't need to read that. Okay. Uh, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Town of Lakeville, uh, Plymouth SS to any of the constables of the town of Lakeville. Greetings. In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said town who are qualified to vote in the
elections to meet in precinct 1, precinct 2, and precinct 3, Ted Williams Camp, Lon Pon Lodge, 28 Precinct Street, Lakeville, Mass. on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Then, then and there to act on the following.
Registered voters in the town will elect the following positions into office. Two-year unexpired term. One fi one finance committee member. Three-year term. Two select board members. One cemetery commissioner. Two park commissioners. One board of assessors
member. One finance committee member. One board of health member. One library trustee. Five-year term. One plate planning board member. The board also moves to include all the annual town election ballot from the office of Freetown Lakeville Regional School
District Committee members as follows. Lakeville one threeear one three-year term one year unexpired term and Freetown two three-year terms. You are directed to serve this warrant by posting an attested copy hereof 7 days
at least before April 6, 2026 in the following places. Town Office Building, Baldi's Pizzeria, Fat Cousins, the Clark Shore Association, Bulletin board, Aponquit Regional High School, the Senior Center, and Asaw Wumps at School.
Here fail not, and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place said voting given under under our hands this third day of March, 2026. Yeah, I would enjoy that.
>> I move that the board approve the warrant as presented. >> I have a motion. >> Seconded. >> I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. Roll call. >> Hunt. >> I. >> Kendo. Do I. >> Carbon. I
don't know. Appointments and licenses. Changed their operating dollars. Fine. Um, subcommittee select board delegate updates. Bowl Colony Regional Vocational Technical Building Committee. >> We have not had a meeting. We're still
waiting for the next meeting to be scheduled. >> Thank you. Fire station building committee. >> No update. >> Update. Um, was there any update on ensuring the meeting space or any talk about the the shared meeting
space for the town? What do you mean? >> Last time we talked um you were going to go back to the the board. >> Yeah, we did. And it was and I brought it back to this meeting. I'm sorry. Um that you know it is designated it is
designated for space. I think the question I had asked is is it able to be divided? It is not. It is not. Thank you. Technology advisory subcommittee. >> Uh we've not had a meeting since the last select board meeting, but uh next
meeting is on March 10. >> And then communication and community outreach school uh subcommittee. >> Uh no updates on that. >> Town Hall building reuse subcommittee. >> No updates, madam chair.
>> Energy advisory committee. No update. >> Economic development committee. >> Um we had to reschedule from storm last week. So we're going to be rescheduling and then I'll have an update. >> And Veterans Park Committee. >> Um the only update is we will be voting
to appoint members at our next meeting. I believe. >> Yes. >> The next board meeting. >> And both are able to attend. >> Oh okay. >> Is there any new business to come before the board? Any old business?
The next select board meeting is actually on Thursday and it's a shared meeting with the town of Freetown. We will be meeting in the >> library, >> the Aonquit Library. Um we will have a shared meeting with uh the Freetown
select board and both finance committees from both town as well as the regional school committee. Anyone else? Adam, you got got everyone. Um and that will be this Thursday um at the library and then
after that it'll be March 17th meeting and that will be at the police station. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And that brings us to executive session. possible executive session pursuant to
MGL chapter 3A section 21A6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property if the chair declares that an open meeting may have detrimental effect on negotiation position of the public body uh the Lakeville Country Club and reason two
possible executive session MVL chapter 30A section 21 A2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel, the fire chief,
acting town administrator and it was an and um three possible executive session MGL chapter 38 section 21A3 to discuss strategy respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have detrimental effect on
the bargaining or litigating position of the public body. And the chair so declares and this is the clerk, labor, police, fire, dispatchers and educators and not to return into open session. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion a second. Any further discussion
on executive session? >> Hearing none. Roll call. >> I I car I and it is 7. Oh, that's always a lie. 727