As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Lakeville's town hall, residents gathered for the annual town meeting, a cornerstone of local governance. With a quorum present, the meeting commenced, led by the moderator who confirmed that all procedural requirements had been met, ensuring a smooth start to the evening's discussions.

The agenda was set, and the first order of business was a significant financial proposal. The town aimed to determine the salaries of elected officials and raise a substantial budget of $27,370,280. This figure included various funding sources, such as $5,415 from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Trust and $200,000 from the Debt Service Capital Project Stabilization Fund. The total budget, which amounted to $27,671,120, was designed to cover town expenses for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019.

Before diving into the specifics of the budget, the moderator sought approval to waive the reading of the warrant, a procedural step that was met with unanimous consent from the attendees. This efficiency allowed the meeting to focus on the pressing financial matters at hand.

In a notable moment, the moderator introduced John Brady, a nonresident who was granted permission to speak on at least one of the articles. This inclusion highlighted the town's openness to community engagement, welcoming voices from beyond its borders.

As the meeting progressed, the residents prepared to delve into the details of the proposed budget, which would dictate the town's financial direction for the upcoming year. The discussions promised to be lively, reflecting the community's commitment to transparency and active participation in local governance. With the groundwork laid, Lakeville's residents were poised to shape the future of their town through informed decision-making and collaboration.