The board’s decision to opt out of vote by mail was a focal point of the meeting, driven by concerns about the financial burden of the program versus its effectiveness. Cheryl, the town clerk, presented data indicating that only 47% of requested mail-in ballots were returned in the previous year. Her argument was straightforward: the costs were substantial, and the low return rates suggested that most voters who intended to vote would likely do so through traditional methods. She emphasized that absentee ballots would remain available.

The decision to opt out was unanimous. Nonetheless, the board acknowledged the potential impact on voter accessibility and participation, with some members expressing skepticism about whether this move could further limit turnout. The debate illustrated the challenge of balancing accessibility with fiscal responsibility, a recurring theme in local governance.

Another issue discussed was the staffing needs within the town’s planning department. There was a consensus on the need to hire a full-time town planner, with the board setting a salary range between $70,000 and $90,000. The conversation highlighted the town’s historical reliance on clerks rather than full-time planners, a practice that some felt needed to change to support economic development and manage projects effectively. The board explored the possibility of sharing a planner with neighboring towns like Lakeville and Rochester to offset costs, proposing a part-time salary of $60,000. Ultimately, the board approved a motion to set the full-time planner’s salary at $100,000.

The meeting also delved into a longstanding issue regarding a water line on County Road, which serves Freetown residents but is owned by New Bedford. This water line, installed over a century ago, has been inadequately maintained, leading to significant leaks and infrastructure concerns. The situation has been exacerbated by the state’s request for an inventory of lead pipes, revealing their presence in the line. The board discussed the need for both short-term fixes and a long-term resolution, as the leak poses a public safety risk and could lead to costly road repairs.

Efforts to clarify the ownership and maintenance responsibilities of the water line have been complicated by historical records and unsatisfactory responses from New Bedford. The board approved a motion to seek separate legal counsel to address the issue.

In addition to these key matters, the board approved several financial policies and agreements. They awarded a contract to Northeastern Tree Service for brush removal at the transfer station and formalized a substantial donation to the Freetown Regional Food Pantry. The board also agreed on new operating hours for the Town Annex Building to better accommodate contractors and approved the appointment of personnel to various town positions.

The board concluded the meeting by scheduling a special town meeting for February 24, 2025, to be held at the middle school due to the high school’s unavailability. The agenda for this meeting will be open for submissions from January 7 to January 16, 2025. Additionally, discussions touched on the implications of state laws regarding accessory dwelling units and the conditions tied to recycling grants.

As the meeting drew to a close, the board reported positive progress on infrastructure projects, including the fire station and the Council on Aging pod. These developments were seen as beneficial additions to the community, with agents and community members expressing satisfaction with the ongoing work.