Lakeville's Select Board meeting on April 9, 2025, highlighted key discussions surrounding voting processes and personnel compensation, with significant implications for the community.
During the meeting, officials reported that nearly 5,500 mail-in ballots were returned, emphasizing the importance of utilizing early voting options. The discussion underscored the convenience of mail-in voting, as the state covered postage costs, alleviating some logistical burdens for voters. However, concerns were raised about the time-consuming nature of ballot processing, prompting officials to encourage residents to utilize drop boxes for easier submission.
In a notable personnel discussion, a long-serving town employee expressed frustration over salary disparities compared to other department heads. With 25 years of service and a role since 2014, the employee highlighted the need for fair compensation, especially as other positions received pay increases. The employee's request for a salary review was acknowledged, with board members indicating a willingness to consider adjustments in future budget discussions.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the salary issue, ensuring that the contributions of long-standing employees are recognized and addressed in upcoming budget revisions. This dialogue reflects ongoing efforts to balance community needs with fair employee compensation, a critical aspect of maintaining morale and effective governance in Lakeville.