A central theme of the meeting was the town’s budget difficulties, with discussions highlighting the increasing portion of the budget allocated to the school system, which has grown from 55% to approximately 58% over the past five years. This rising expenditure has necessitated budget management to accommodate the schools’ expanding financial needs. Concerns were raised about the impact of upcoming contract negotiations with the school, which could further alter budget dynamics.

The board explored the concept of a meals tax as a potential new revenue stream. Previously rejected by the town, this proposal has gained traction in surrounding areas, positioning Lakeville as one of the last towns to consider it. The board expressed the need to explore this option further, planning a presentation to assess its potential for revenue generation. With economic development described as “non-existent,” the board acknowledged few forthcoming projects that could contribute to new growth. They emphasized the importance of such a tax, especially given the unpredictability of winter and its impact on the Department of Public Works’ equipment needs.

In addition to these financial discussions, the board addressed the challenges of hiring a new town planner, a critical role given the town’s growth and development needs. The conversation revealed ongoing difficulties in recruiting qualified candidates for this full-time position. Suggestions included the possibility of hiring a part-time planner, possibly a retired professional, as a temporary solution. This would address immediate needs while the search for a permanent candidate continued. The board noted the high costs associated with consulting services and the importance of finding a cost-effective solution to support the town’s planning requirements.

The need for a full-time town planner was emphasized, with current workloads overwhelming existing planning board members. The board discussed the necessity of monitoring subdivisions and addressing housing issues, particularly with the subsidized housing inventory set to expire in the coming years. Without a full-time planner, the town risks delays and inefficiencies in managing projects and ensuring compliance with state mandates.

The meeting also included a discussion on the fiscal year’s capital and operating budgets. The finance director outlined a capital budget update, highlighting total investments for FY26 at about $1.48 million, with plans for future projects totaling over $2.7 million. The board acknowledged anticipated future pressures due to limited state aid increases and upcoming votes related to regional education funding, which could affect local tax burdens.

Additional highlights from the meeting included the appointment of Philip Aloe Vera to the Energy Advisory Committee and Eric Swenson’s transition from special police officer to reserve police officer. Both appointments were met with unanimous approval. The board also revisited the idea of electronic signatures to streamline administrative processes, deciding to adopt the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 110G for the select board.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various community projects, such as the installation of right-to-farm signs by the agricultural commission and updates on the Fire Station Building Committee. The board also addressed an alcohol licensing request from Red Hand Brewing and the planning for upcoming special town meetings.