MARSHFIELD - December 22, 2025 - Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner delivered a sobering financial forecast Monday night, warning of a “fiscal cliff” driven by exhausting one-time revenues, a $700,000 unpaid unemployment bill, and skyrocketing costs from the South Shore Vocational Technical High School. The projection reveals a structural deficit of over $4.5 million for Fiscal Year 2027, prompting officials to discuss potential tax overrides or debt exclusions to maintain services.
The Full Story
In a detailed presentation that cast a shadow over the town’s upcoming budget season, Sumner and Town Accountant Meg LeMay described a financial landscape where revenues are failing to keep pace with fixed costs. Sumner characterized the situation as a “collapse” of the revenue strategies used in recent years, specifically the over-reliance on one-time funds like solar revenues and free cash to plug operating gaps.
“You really were using too many one-time revenues to subsidize your budget... we’ve exhausted all of those,” Sumner told the board. He highlighted that while property taxes will generate roughly $1.8 million in new revenue next year, fixed costs—including insurance, pensions, and contractual obligations—are rising by nearly $4 million.
The “Devastating” Vocational Tech Impact A major driver of the fiscal pressure is the South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School. Sumner reported that the town’s assessment will jump by $643,000 in FY27 due to increased enrollment (from 34 to 69 students) as Marshfield continues sending new classes in its first few years as a member of the district. Worse, debt service for the new Vo-Tech high school project will begin hitting the books in FY28 ($437,000 interest) and balloon to $1.5 million by FY29.
“It’s devastating,” Sumner said of the compounding costs. “You didn’t get any more spending capacity... so you have to pay for that within your existing levy limit.”
Unemployment Bill Surprise Adding to the strain, Sumner revealed an “unpaid unemployment bill” dating back to 2018 that has accrued penalties and interest, now totaling nearly $700,000. This liability will significantly drain the town’s free cash reserves, leaving little room for capital improvements or emergency spending.
Select Board Reaction Vice Chair Steve Darcy acknowledged the “perfect storm” of high inflation and capped revenues, suggesting the town might need to explore a “menu of options,” including a potential Proposition 2½ override. “Everyone is feeling the pain,” Darcy said, noting that even with tax increases, the town risks losing employees to neighboring communities with better benefits packages. [1:27:25]
Chair Eric Kelley floated the idea of a temporary tax rate increase (override) to offset debt but agreed that the town needs to “fix our budget.”
“If I had a wand, I would want a budget for all these increases... but we have a gap between revenues and expenses of $2,461,000. So that’s pretty ugly.” — Charlie Sumner, Interim Town Administrator [49:50]
Why It Matters
This forecast signals a harsh budget cycle ahead for Marshfield residents. The “structural deficit” means the town cannot afford its current level of services without new revenue. Residents could face a choice at the ballot box: vote for a tax increase (override) to fund schools and services, or face significant cuts to departments that are already “feeling the pain.” The unpaid unemployment bill also raises questions about past financial oversight.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To award the Ridge Road Boat Ramp contract to NELM Corporation for $504,525.
Outcome: Passed.
Vote: 3-0
Motion: To award the Green Harbor Maintenance Dredging contract to Atlantic Coast Tug and Marine LLC for $78,500.
Outcome: Passed.
Vote: 3-0
Motion: To appoint Elise Zoli of Wilson Sonsini as Special Town Counsel for the Clay Pit Road Landfill Solar Project (contingent on contract tailored to solar only).
Outcome: Passed.
Vote: 3-0
Motion: To renew Annual Liquor Licenses (Restaurants, Clubs, Package Stores).
Outcome: Passed.
Vote: 3-0
Motion: To renew Common Victualler Licenses.
Outcome: Passed.
Vote: 2-1 (Kelley opposed “Rocky Roads and The Hop”, voted no on the licenses)
Motion: To direct Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart to respond to a resident’s zoning complaint (regarding boats on a road).
Outcome: Failed (No Second).
Context: Chair Kelley expressed frustration with Stewart’s refusal to take direct orders, calling the exchange “perplexing.” Member Simpson argued, “I just don’t think it belongs here.”
Public Comment
MBTA Zoning Strategy: The board discussed the ongoing litigation regarding the MBTA Communities Act. Chair Kelley suggested repealing the town’s compliance vote to strengthen their court case. Vice Chair Darcy argued to wait for the SJC ruling in February, warning, “I don’t want to be off the bus” and risk losing grant money again. No vote was taken.
What’s Next
Budget Reviews: Sumner and the Town Accountant will meet with department heads starting tomorrow to begin the difficult process of closing the $4.5M gap.
SJC Ruling: The town expects a hearing on the MBTA Communities Act case in February.