Mattapoisett became part of the Community Compact program on April 19, which will give the town state funds to explore tri-town regionalization and financial management.

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito stopped by Mattapoisett Town Hall to meet with the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator Mike Gagne before heading to the islands to sign other Community Compacts.

The Compact, which began as an initiative of Governor Charlie Baker in 2015, is a voluntary, mutual agreement between the Baker-Polito administration and individual cities and towns. The town must agree to implement at least one "best practice" area. The best practice areas should reflect needed areas of improvement within the town.

“Our two projects are tri-town shared services…and finding an assessment procedure for Old Rochester school district,” Gagne said.

Gagne told Polito that Mattapoisett already shares services with Marion and Rochester quite a bit, and thought after meeting with town administrators in those towns that it would be a good idea to look into additional services that could be regionalized between the towns.

Additionally, there has not been an assessment procedure of the school district in about 30 years, Gagne said. The town will use the money from the state to “hire a consultant who can help determine an appropriate means of Regional School Assessment costs and identify an appropriate allocation for salaries and expenses,” according to the governor’s office.

Polito commended Gagne and the board for the regional school district, particularly the regionalized superintendent’s office.

“It’s so innovative,” she said. “You’re doing all the things needed to be efficient, so this will provide the resources and expertise.”

Polito also took the time to ask about any other problems facing the town, particularly housing.

“What are your thoughts on housing?” she asked. “What do you need?”

Gagne mentioned that alternative housing options for the senior population was something that would help keep enrollment in the schools up and the population steady.

“We regularly hear from people who want condo housing,” Gagne said.

Polito agreed that would be something to look into, so that older residents could stay in town but move out of their big homes, and families with children could move in.

“We want to create options, but maintain the character of the town, which people love,” she said.