In the heart of Lakeville, Massachusetts, the Select Board convened to address pressing concerns regarding water representation and municipal collaboration. As residents gathered, the atmosphere was charged with urgency, reflecting a community eager for clarity and action.

The meeting highlighted a significant issue: Lakeville's lack of direct representation in water management agreements with neighboring Taunton. Resident Jerry Carriker raised concerns about the absence of engagement from the town council, questioning why Lakeville could not advocate more effectively for its water needs. The discussion revealed that while Lakeville has agreements in place, individual connections to water services remain unaddressed, leaving residents feeling unsupported.

Board members acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that previous attempts to engage with Taunton had not yielded satisfactory results. The sentiment among residents was clear: they felt it was time to escalate the matter, potentially involving legal counsel to ensure Lakeville's interests were adequately represented. The board expressed a commitment to explore all avenues, including revisiting discussions with Taunton's town council.

Another point of contention arose regarding property taxes related to local infrastructure, particularly the power plant and pump house. Residents questioned whether these entities were contributing fairly to the tax base and suggested that leveraging tax discussions could be a strategy to encourage cooperation from Taunton. The board agreed to investigate the tax implications further, recognizing the potential for financial discussions to serve as a bargaining chip.

As the meeting progressed, Carla Goodwin, a resident, passionately urged the board to act swiftly, emphasizing that delays could jeopardize ongoing negotiations. Her plea resonated with many in attendance, underscoring a collective desire for decisive leadership.

The board also touched on collaboration with other local boards, including zoning, to ensure a unified approach to the water issue. While some communication had occurred, the need for a more coordinated effort was evident.

As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere remained one of cautious optimism. Residents left with a sense that their voices were heard, and board members committed to pursuing further discussions with Taunton and exploring all options to secure better water representation for Lakeville. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the community's resolve to advocate for its needs was unmistakable.