Tempers flared on Monday as Rochester Selectmen met with the Chairs of the Marion and Rochester Boards of Health, and their supporters, to discuss Regional Health District changes.

At present, Marion and Rochester elect two separate Boards of Health, but share one health agent, Karen Walega.

In December, Rochester Town Administrator Richard LaCamera suggested changing the existing health district from a regional model to an inter-municipal agreement between the two towns.

The move would save the town money on liability insurance, LaCamera said. He estimated a yearly savings of $4,000 per year because Walega would become a contract employee under the inter-municipal agreement.

Daniel Perry, health district legal counsel, expressed frustration with Selectmen, and LaCamera, for not appearing at a meeting with Marion officials. The meeting sought to determine Rochester's objections for remaining in the district.

LaCamera, Selectmen Brad Morse, Richard Nunes, and Rochester legal counsel Blair Bailey, said they were told meeting was called off.

Marion Board of Health Chair Albin Johnson then asked LaCamera to identify the person he spoke to at the time.

“Who told you the meeting had been cancelled? I want a name,” Johnson said.

“I’m not going to give you a name because I assumed the meeting was cancelled,” LaCamera said.

“Somebody is not telling the truth here,” Johnson said shortly before exiting with health district supporters, Perry, and Dale Barrows, who Chairs the regional district.

Earlier, those for and against the change accused the other side of withholding accurate financial and operational information for the district. Supporters said a unified district benefits both towns. More grants are available for regional services from the state under such an arrangement.

Morse said Rochester’s chief concerns are: limiting town liability, cost savings, and maintaining local control over the town budget.

Rochester voters will be asked to approve a warrant article at an upcoming Town Meeting to ratify the change.