Marshfield's FY26 Budget Balances Growth and Fiscal Responsibility

Town plans 3.27% revenue increase, 3.73% expense hike with focus on schools, public safety

MARSHFIELD - January 21 - Marshfield officials presented a balanced fiscal year 2026 budget Monday night, projecting a 3.27% increase in revenue and a 3.73% rise in expenses. The $119,926,729 spending plan includes significant investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Town Administrator Michael Maresco outlined the budget proposal during a Select Board meeting, highlighting a 3% increase for the school department and substantial allocations for public safety and public works.

"FY 2026 budget includes a 3% increase or $1,731,069 for the school department," Maresco said. "General government has increased by $544,373 or 13.6%. Public safety has increased by $928,028 or 6.3%."

The budget aims to provide resources for police, fire, and ambulance services while addressing rising costs in areas such as pensions, healthcare, and utilities.

Revenue projections for FY26 total $119,926,729, with $85,680,547 coming from property taxes. State aid is expected to contribute $19,123,522, a 2.5% increase over the current fiscal year.

Maresco emphasized the town's conservative approach to budgeting, particularly regarding state aid. "We're very careful. It's always been sometimes much greater than that. But that's not how you plan. So we keep it very, very static," he said.

The budget includes several notable increases:

- Public Works: $436,653 increase (13.23%)

- Utilities: $114,123 increase (16.2%)

- Pensions: $913,106 increase

Maresco attributed the utilities hike to expanded facilities, including the enlarged senior center, police station, and Department of Public Works building.

The pension increase reflects ongoing efforts to fully fund the system by 2032. "Plymouth County was on track to be the first county in Massachusetts to have their pension system fully funded," Maresco explained. "But there were a number of smaller towns within our county, they couldn't afford the accelerated costs."

Select Board member Eric Kelley raised concerns about relying on projected state aid and other revenue sources. "My concern is that we're basing this budget on numbers that, yeah, we could get it, but the whole thing is that if we don't for some phenomenal reason, then we're going to have to make tough decisions," Kelly said.

Maresco assured the board that the town takes a conservative approach to revenue projections and has contingency plans if state aid falls short.

The budget also addresses several challenges facing the town, including:

- Ongoing pension funding through 2032

- Other post-employment benefits (OPEB) liability funding

- Healthcare costs

- Environmental challenges, such as seawall maintenance and beach nourishment

The town is also preparing for potential costs associated with a new South Shore Regional Technical High School, which could require a debt exclusion vote if approved.

*editor’s note: The South Shore Tech building project passed.

Maresco highlighted recent capital improvements, including renovations to the senior center, police station, and DPW facilities. These projects were completed without additional taxpayer costs by reallocating unspent funds from previous projects.

The Select Board will vote on the budget proposal next week before it moves to the Advisory Board for review. The final budget must be approved at town meeting in April.

Full meeting available via Marshfield Community Media.