During a recent meeting of the Lakeville Finance Committee, Chair Christopher Plunker expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of the town's budget, highlighting ongoing financial challenges faced by both Lakeville and its regional partners. Plunker noted that despite previous discussions and joint meetings aimed at addressing these issues, significant budget reductions were not implemented this year, which he deemed necessary for long-term fiscal health.

Plunker acknowledged a recent proposal to make additional budget cuts without impacting services, viewing it as a positive step towards addressing an accounting discrepancy. However, he emphasized that more substantial reductions are essential to alleviate the financial pressures on the towns.

Select Board member Bridal Donohue raised questions about the use of ESSER funds, clarifying that these funds are not solely for capital projects but can also address learning loss. She expressed concern that one-time expenses, such as a generator and computers, have been improperly integrated into the budget, potentially inflating costs. Donohue advocated for a budget audit to ensure transparency and accuracy, particularly as the district transitions to new budgeting software.

The discussion also touched on the appropriateness of technology in education, with Donohue arguing against the necessity of laptops for all students, especially at the middle school level. She suggested that a more sustainable approach would involve limiting technology use while ensuring that students still receive adequate resources for their education.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgent need for a reevaluation of budget priorities and a commitment to finding real solutions to the financial challenges facing Lakeville. The committee's discussions reflect a broader concern about maintaining educational quality while managing fiscal responsibility in the face of rising costs and upcoming infrastructure projects.