Rockland Fire Station Passes With 55% Support in Special Election
Health Department update raises concerns
ROCKLAND - September 16 - Rockland voters approved both a $2 million fire truck purchase and a $26.1 million fire station construction project by decisive 55-45 margins in a special election held September 13, 2025, ending months of debate over the town's aging fire infrastructure.
The Full Story
The September 13 special election drew over 2,100 voters, making it the largest turnout for a non-presidential election in recent town memory, and certainly higher than the April election. Both ballot questions passed with nearly identical margins - approximately 55% in favor and 45% opposed - providing clear direction from residents after conflicting results between an April ballot vote and May town meeting.
Town Administrator Doug Lapp emphasized the significance of voter support, noting that in his six years with the town, residents have now approved "a brand new elementary school building, a brand new regional vocational technical school, and now a new fire station. That is a lot. It's all needed, it's all critically important, and it will ultimately help the property values in this community."
The current fire station on Union Street has been deemed inadequate for modern fire operations, with cramped quarters and structural deficiencies. The new station will be constructed at the site of the former Lincoln School on Church and Howard Streets after demolition is completed.
Town officials credited a grassroots campaign led by residents including Andrea Davis, Tom Henderson, and Julie and Rick Snee for educating voters and driving turnout. Select Board member Steve O'Donnell praised Fire Chief Scott Duffey for his leadership throughout the process, stating "his leadership throughout the process has been unwavering. We as a town are lucky to have him in his current role."
The projects will result in tax increases beginning in fiscal year 2026, though Lapp noted potential relief may come in fiscal year 2032 when the town's Plymouth County Retirement Assessment is fully funded, potentially freeing up millions in levy capacity.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Health Department update from Health Agent Delshaune Flipp, who raised serious concerns about the availability of kratom in local retail establishments. Kratom, which she described as causing "addiction, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, liver damage, seizures," and at high doses "severe sedation, breathing issues, coma, or death," is being sold without proper regulation.
The health agent revealed she had attempted multiple times to schedule a Board of Health meeting to discuss kratom regulation but received no response from Board of Health Chairman Robert Stephens. "I reached out several times to the Chairman of the Board of Health to schedule a meeting to discuss this issue, asking for at least a two week notice so that the office can be prepared and that expert speakers have enough time to attend a meeting. And I still have not heard a response from him to date," she reported.
Select Board member Steve O'Donnell called the lack of communication "a complete dereliction of duty" and "a slap in the face to the residents of the community." Chairman Michael O'Loughlin noted that Board of Health Chairman Stephens was invited to attend the meeting but chose not to appear.
The health agent also provided updates on mosquito-borne illness surveillance, reporting that Rockland's risk level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) increased to moderate in August, though no further positive samples have been detected. West Nile virus continues to test positive in mosquito pools with human cases reported in the area.
Other significant updates included progress on the South Shore 5 Public Health Alliance, which has provided $58,000 in grant funding to Rockland and enabled hiring of regional health staff. The town's recycling center has installed new surveillance cameras funded by grant money, resulting in successful identification and fining of illegal dumpers.
The board also formally adopted the Town of Rockland Marijuana Social Equity Policy, required by state Cannabis Control Commission regulations. The policy mandates that future marijuana establishments in town must qualify as social equity businesses until 50% of all cannabis licensees meet equity criteria.
Town Administrator Lapp announced he has applied for credentialing through the International City Manager Association (ICMA), which involves continuing education, reviews, and documentation requirements.
Why It Matters
The fire station and truck approvals ensure Rockland's fire department will have modern facilities and equipment to protect residents and property. The tax increases will begin impacting homeowners in fiscal year 2026. The kratom regulation issue affects public health and safety, particularly for young people, while the lack of Board of Health meetings limits the town's ability to address emerging health threats in a timely manner.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve minutes of 9-2-2025. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 19:37)
Motion: Appoint Ms. Collins to Council on Aging alternate to full member. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 20:21)
Motion: Approve one-day liquor license for Fall Festival 9-27 (rain date 9-28). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 22:12)
Motion: Adopt Town of Rockland Marijuana Social Equity Policy. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:07:25)
Motion: Enter executive session for litigation and minutes review. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous by roll call. (Timestamp: 1:52:54)
What's Next
The town will engage architects for fire station design, hire an owner's project manager, and begin Lincoln School demolition starting September 22. Hazardous materials removal is expected to be completed by October 17. The Board of Health kratom issue remains unresolved pending scheduling of a board meeting.