WATD's 'Rock the Lot' Event Approved, Town Reports Preliminary Budget Surplus

MARSHFIELD, MA - July 15 - The Marshfield Select Board approved liquor and entertainment licenses for WATD's annual "Rock the Lot" event at their meeting on Monday. The outdoor music festival, featuring local bands and a pop-up beer garden, is scheduled for July 20 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the radio station's parking lot on 130 Enterprise Drive.

Town Administrator Michael Maresco explained the event's history: "Ed Perry's done this a couple of times. They showcase up-and-coming bands, local kids in and around the WATD listening area that have bands."

The event is expected to draw about 100 attendees. The board approved a temporary one-day wine and malt beverage liquor license for Stellwagen Beer Company to operate the pop-up beer garden, as well as an entertainment license for WATD.

Board member Eric Kelley raised concerns about parking and traffic, noting that the event will use WATD's entire parking lot. Maresco assured that parking would be available on Enterprise Drive and that the short duration of the event should not cause significant issues.

In other business, Marshfield's Treasurer Shaun Strobel and Town Accountant Meg LeMay presented year-end budget transfers, revealing a preliminary general fund surplus of $695,583.32 for fiscal year 2024.

Strobel cautioned that this figure could change, stating, "This is the preliminary start. This is what's presented so far. We still have much to do for 24."

The board approved year-end transfers to cover deficit balances in various department budgets. These transfers are a standard procedure to close out the fiscal year.

LeMay explained the timeline for finalizing the numbers: "We're hoping mid-August, because right now we have someone who's working through the cash receipts to get all those posted, and then you kind of do a review process to make sure."

Both officials noted ongoing challenges with implementing the new MUNIS financial system. Strobel said, "We're still plagued with structural challenges that we inherited when we came into these positions. But I do feel that we're in a much better position than we were a year ago."

LeMay added, "The improvement is we know what those things are, which at this time last year was not identified."

The potential surplus will be part of the free cash certification process, which could impact available funds for the December town meeting.

Board Chair Lynne Fidler expressed appreciation for the detailed work of the financial team, stating, "They're very talented."

The meeting also included approval of several other items, including a public comment policy for future meetings and the designation of Marshfield as a Purple Heart town.