NORWELL — Oct. 28, 2026 — The Norwell Select Board last Wednesday took voice votes on updated electrical permit fees and a wine and malt license for Norwell Mobil, and heard that fiscal 2026 ended with about $1.5 million in unspent appropriations, much of it from one-time savings. The board also moved its tax classification hearing to Thursday, Nov. 12.
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Electrical fees. Building Commissioner Jerry O’Neill said current electrical permit fees do not cover the inspector’s costs, and that pool permit fees would rise more than others because pools need at least four and sometimes six inspections. Peter Smellie moved to approve the electrical fee update as printed in the packet, with the start date left to the building commissioner’s discretion as the department changes permit systems.
Board members suggested that a future meeting consider letting the building commissioner raise fees by a set percentage on a schedule, as they did for ambulance fees.
Norwell Mobil license. After a public hearing, the board took up a wine and malt beverages package store license for First Market Corp., doing business as Norwell Mobil at 89 Washington St. Ayes were heard, followed by good-luck remarks. Smellie said the station’s new operation had eased past concerns about sales to minors at the location.
Finance update. Finance Director Christine McCarthy presented an analysis of fiscal 2026 results and the first quarter of fiscal 2027. The presentation said fiscal 2026 revenue came in above budget, led by motor vehicle excise, investment earnings, state revenue, ambulance fees and building permits, and that expenses closed about $1.5 million under budget. Much of that came from unemployment costs budgeted after the failed override that did not materialize, health insurance turnbacks and vacancy savings, described during questioning as one-time blips.
