Lakeville Select Board Approves $4.9 Million Override, Sets May 19 Vote

Select Board · Meeting of March 17, 2026

Lakeville boards vote to put a $4.9 million, three-year override to voters on May 19. The Select Board and Finance Committee voted jointly Tuesday at Loon Pond Lodge, approving a Proposition 2.5 override structured as three separate ballot questions — $2,615,700 for fiscal year 2027, $1.3 million for fiscal year 2028, and $1 million for fiscal year 2029 — with the fiscal year 2027 question estimated to cost the average Lakeville homeowner $513.26 annually. Town Administrator Andrew Suchforth warned that fixed costs are rising nearly $600,000 year over year and that new growth is projected at $140,000, less than half the 25-year average, calling the town's position a "Perfect Storm" shared by municipalities statewide.

A packed room of students, educators, and residents urged the boards to act, with Apponequett junior Colin McKay noting Freetown-Lakeville spends $17,291 per pupil against a state median of $24,359, and Council on Aging Director Lori Fahey warning that Friday closures would leave some seniors three days without a meal or wellness check. The last Lakeville override was passed in 2014.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 17, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.