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Lakeville Board of Health searches for replacement after agent departs; discusses inspection coverage
Summary
After its health agent left, the Lakeville Board of Health discussed staffing plans, the applicant pool, interim coverage for restaurant inspections and options to contract with neighboring towns or private reviewers.
The Lakeville Board of Health discussed replacing its departed part-time health agent and interim coverage for inspections and complaints at the Dec. 4 meeting.
Board members said the posting attracted applicants but that only a small number were qualified. “There were 30 applicants. Only two qualified,” a board member said during the discussion; the posting remains open through Dec. 20. Members said they will interview candidates after the posting closes.
In the interim, the board discussed using existing employees to monitor incoming email and complaints, having town staff (Fran or Laurie) attend board meetings to stay current on issues, and contracting out restaurant and plan review work. Board members noted 19 pending restaurant inspections were being routed to staff for completion before year-end and said the town inspects food establishments twice annually.
The board also discussed using external reviewers for larger septic plans and contacting neighboring towns (Middleborough, Freetown) or contractors that previously provided services to Lakeville. One member suggested asking Nick McNaney (a reviewer used by the town) to continue plan reviews under contract and advised the board to budget for review fees from the current savings while the agent position is vacant.
Members agreed to follow up on open candidate files, reach out to neighboring towns about temporary inspection support and consider amending existing contracts to cover interim work until a replacement is hired.
No final hiring decision was made at the Dec. 4 meeting; the posting and interview schedule will move forward as discussed.
