Town of Lakeville invoice for underground oil‑tank pollution coverage lands with district; subcommittee requests town clarification

District finance staff told the subcommittee they received an invoice from the Town of Lakeville for $1,832 for hazard and pollution insurance on an underground oil storage tank at Assawompsett. The invoice includes a handwritten note indicating the school department will reimburse the district for the charge.

Ashley Loops said the invoice ‘‘directs us to pay within 30 days’’ and that the district requested a five‑year history and clarification from the town before remitting payment. Members said the tank is town property and argued the town should bear responsibility unless the lease or a specific agreement assigns the cost to the district.

Subcommittee members said they were surprised at the unilateral billing and asked staff to share the memo and supporting documents with town administrators for clarification. Staff noted the matter is new this year and said they would follow up with the town administrator and provide additional documentation to the subcommittee.

No payment was recorded at the meeting; staff said they would request a five‑year coverage history, confirm whether prior years were charged to the town or district, and consult the lease language to determine which party is obligated to insure the tank.

The subcommittee also discussed testing and longer‑term options for removing or replacing aging underground storage tanks and requested that the town administrator appear before the school committee to explain the invoice and policy going forward.