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Select Board adopts state enabling act to include EMS-only personnel in Plymouth County retirement group
Summary
The Select Board voted to adopt language under Chapter 467, Acts of 2008, to allow EMS-only employees within the fire department to be included in the county retirement group; the board discussed expected earlier retiree insurance costs and budget implications.
The Town of Lakeville Select Board voted Jan. 27 to adopt the state enabling language needed to include emergency medical technicians (EMS-only personnel) who are employed by the fire department in the Plymouth County retirement system under the relevant provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Fire Chief provided background: the town added EMS-only positions to expand hiring flexibility and noted Lakeville is among the first in the county to place EMS-only employees within a municipal fire department rather than a stand-alone EMS agency. Town staff and counsel said state law requires a formal local adoption under Chapter 32 pension provisions and referenced Chapter 467, Acts of 2008, as the statutory vehicle for this change.
Board members asked about fiscal impacts. Select Board discussion noted that if paramedics retire earlier under the county system, the town could experience earlier retiree health-insurance payouts — one speaker estimated up to about $16,000 per year additional cost for a family plan over the earlier retirement period, though the exact liability amount was described as approximate. The board agreed to include the potential insurance cost in FY26 budgeting work and to monitor state-level and local retiree-cost impacts.
After clarifying questions, the board amended one line in the motion to cite "Chapter 467, Acts of 2008," and approved the motion as amended by roll call.
