Freetown Select Board Approves Videographer, Appointments, and Permit Contract in Full Session

FREETOWN — March 28, 2023 — Freetown Select Board approves community videographer, $98,000 stormwater permit, and broad appointment slate. The board voted unanimously on all items at its March 28 meeting, including a $75-per-hour rate for a town event videographer and a two-year, $98,000 contract with Environmental Partners for the MS4 stormwater permit covering years five and six of the town's 10-year compliance cycle. The lengthiest discussion centered on the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District budget, where negotiations reduced Freetown's assessment increase from a proposed 8 percent down to 1.1 percent, bringing the town's share to $13,155,841 against last year's $13,012,715 — though officials cautioned that the reduction relied on one-time reserve draws and elevated state aid rather than structural cuts. "What concerns me is that they're using end funds and whatnot to reduce the assessment, which is not sustainable," the interim town administrator told the board. The board also authorized negotiations for an owner's project manager contract on the fire station addition and renovation, expanded the parade and fireworks committee to 13 members, and confirmed Dean M. Gameras as a full-time signal operator at Step 3 effective April 10.