The Lakeville Select Board meeting on April 9, 2025, focused on pressing budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the fire department's operational challenges and staffing issues. Key discussions highlighted the ongoing struggle with high turnover rates among firefighters and paramedics, which has led to increased overtime costs and staffing shortages.

Fire Chief and Deputy Chief addressed the board, emphasizing that the lack of a contingency budget for turnover has been detrimental to their financial planning. They noted that high turnover results in vacant positions, which forces the department to operate with fewer staff than needed, thereby increasing reliance on overtime. The chiefs expressed concern that the current budget does not adequately account for these fluctuations, leading to a structural deficit.

The chiefs also discussed the importance of training for their relatively junior department. They have shifted training strategies to be more efficient, conducting drills while personnel are on duty to minimize overtime costs. However, they acknowledged that certain mandatory training requirements, such as state-mandated stretcher training, add complexity to their budget.

A significant point raised was the competitive job market for paramedics, where private sector salaries have begun to surpass public sector pay. This trend has made it challenging for Lakeville to retain qualified personnel, as many firefighters leave for better-paying opportunities elsewhere. The chiefs noted that this situation has led to a cycle of recruitment and training costs without long-term retention of staff.

The board members expressed concern about the overall budget, questioning whether there is any flexibility within it. The financial outlook appears grim, with reliance on free cash to balance the budget, which is not sustainable in the long term. The discussion concluded with a recognition that the community must be prepared for potential tax increases to support necessary services, as the town's economic base is primarily reliant on residential taxes.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for strategic planning to address staffing and budgetary challenges within the fire department, as well as the broader implications for the community's financial health.