MARSHFIELD - September 22 - Interim Town Administrator Peter reported that the Department of Revenue has certified the town’s free cash at $6,404,954 for fiscal year 2026, representing 5.22% of the operating budget - a decrease of approximately $220,000 from the prior fiscal year but still within the town’s typical range of recent years.
The Full Story
The certification comes three months earlier than last year, which Morin attributed to improved financial management and cleaner presentations to state officials. “What is exceptional about this is you’re three months ahead in getting your free cash certified than when you were last year,” he told the board. “So that speaks well for your financial team and getting their numbers in.”
The early certification puts the town in a stronger strategic position for the upcoming October special town meeting, as officials will have concrete free cash figures to work with when making budget decisions. “You’re going in with an informed decision or you’re going to be able to make informed decisions at your October special town meeting because at least you know what your free cash is now,” Morin explained.
The Interim Town Administrator also announced that the town has filled office vacancies with two candidates who have accepted offers pending drug test inquiries. He offered to introduce the new hires at the next Select Board meeting.
Several residents used public comment to address ongoing controversies. Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart delivered pointed criticism of Select Board Chair Eric Kelley, accusing him of inappropriate administrative interference. “The role of the Select Board chair is not to give daily administrative direction to the Building Commissioner and other department heads or employees,” Stewart stated. “That is the job of the Town Administrator, who does so at the behest of the entire Select Board.”
Stewart said Kelley had threatened his employment and bypassed proper enforcement procedures by forwarding anonymous complaints. “You have no right to threaten my employment, sir,” Stewart told Kelley directly during his remarks.
Multiple residents raised concerns about the town administrator search process. Joe Pecevich criticized the Collins Center contract and advertisement, questioning whether the Select Board had properly reviewed these documents. He noted the advertisement states “MBTA zoning changes and development along the Route 139 corridor are expected to change the character of the town,” despite the town having voted against MBTA zoning compliance.
Jean Lee, an associate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, disputed statements Kelley made at the previous meeting about ZBA appointments. She clarified that neither she nor fellow associate Mack Brothers had spoken to anyone about not wanting to move up to full member positions, contradicting Kelley’s earlier assertion.
The board approved several routine licensing matters, including common victualer licenses for a Cars and Copters event at the fairgrounds, temporary liquor and entertainment licenses for various community events, and permission to accept donations totaling $220,000 for veterans services and special education programs.
Board members discussed but postponed a decision on selecting labor counsel from five responding law firms, with hourly rates ranging from $225 to $285. Select Board member Steve Darcy supported Meade, Talerman and Costa, noting their $225 hourly rate was the lowest and that the town had positive experience working with them on an interim basis. Board member Trish Simpson favored KP Law despite their higher $285 rate, citing their extensive municipal experience representing over one-third of Massachusetts municipalities.
Chair Kelley requested more time to evaluate the proposals, postponing the decision to a future meeting.
The board also approved a suicide prevention month proclamation for September 2025 and waived building permit fees for proposed work at Ainsworth Elementary School.
Why It Matters
The early free cash certification provides town officials with crucial financial information ahead of the special town meeting, enabling more informed budget decisions. The $6.4 million figure represents significant available funds that could impact decisions on major expenditures, including potential override discussions and capital projects.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Grant common victualer licenses for Cars and Copters event vendors. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 33:53)
Motion: Issue temporary liquor license to North River Art Society. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 35:18)
Motion: Appoint Cindy Castro to Cemetery Committee. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 36:37)
Motion: Accept veterans services donations totaling $200. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:17)
Motion: Grant temporary entertainment licenses for dog park events. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 43:01, 43:33)
Motion: Grant temporary entertainment license for holiday light show. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 45:40)
Motion: Waive building permit fees for Eames Way School work. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 46:45)
Motion: Approve frozen pilgrim road race. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 49:17)
Motion: Accept $20,000 grant for special education program. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 50:21)
Motion: Approve suicide prevention month proclamation. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous, with Chair abstaining. (Timestamp: N/A)
Public Comment
Multiple residents addressed board appointment processes, town administrator search concerns, MBTA zoning issues, override reconsideration, and criticism of administrative practices. Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart criticized the select board chair for inappropriate interference in his department’s operations.
What’s Next
The select board will hold a joint meeting with the Advisory Board on September 23rd at 7:00 PM to discuss town meeting articles. A decision on labor counsel selection was postponed pending further board review of the five submitted proposals.