The Marion Board of Health met on December 11 in the Town Hall Annex and approved a preliminary fiscal 2027 budget increase of 2.8-percent.
Health Director Lori Desmarais noted that the largest increase will be connected to an initiative to create online permitting. She said that it costs $6,750 to start-up the process around that same amount annually. That said, that line item is slated for $13,500.
She said she is looking at grant opportunities to pay for the start-up costs.
Other increases include a recertification stipend for Health Agent Gabrielle Almeida, who is eligible for this stipend increase as an assistant inspector and evaluator.
Desmarais also budgeted an additional $100 for advertising costs with some demolition projects expected to occur this year.
Desmarais said that, based on recent data, she was able to budget fewer funds for cell phone expenses for health employees.
Desmarais said that there will be a 25-percent increase in health insurance costs, especially ones that are tied to pensions, a line item with no wiggle room.
Board of Health members applauded Desmarais’ budget work but said it might be hard to justify a 2.8-percent increase when most departments are increasing by only 2-percent.
Board members asked her to talk with Select Board members about using capital funds for the online permitting system.
At this short meeting, board members agreed to the same schedule of meeting every first and third Thursday of the month.
The board will not meet on January 1, being a holiday, so the next Marion Board of Health meeting will be on Thursday, January 15.
Marion Board of Health
By Jeffrey D. Wagner