The Marion Finance Committee met February 12 at the Town Hall Annex in another round of meetings to prepare for Fiscal Year 2027.
The committee started by recapping its last meeting with the Marine Resources Commission about its budget problems, and committee members mentioned that they will work with the Select Board, MRC, and other sources to look at the fee structure. They said the MRC has a shortfall, but there is money to cover it by prior-year funding availability, such as reserve funds. However, the MRC said that taking a close look at the fee structure would address long-term sustainability.
The Finance Committee met with Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, who mentioned that the budget he has prepared reflects the increase in calls and medical services. Jackvony said that this year was the department’s busiest year and that calls to the department have been on the rise.
The chief said they work with a local mechanic who has kept service expenses under control. “We are doing our best, and that calls on us to look at grant opportunities,” he said.
Still, Jackvony has proposed an annual budget increase of just over 4%.
He said that, due to activity in town, including the most recent snowstorms, the department has had to dip into overtime costs. He added that the overtime line items increased this fiscal year, but that money has been expended, calling for a need to increase that line item.
Jackvony stressed that the department is in need of two working trucks and two ambulances at the same time. He mentioned that at one point there was a recall of one of the trucks, which made response difficult for the department.
Some committee members discussed a different financial model for addressing public needs, noting the fire, police and marine services have been struggling financially – and are all needed public services.
No decisions were made, but the Finance Committee is meeting with each department and will make its final recommendation to the Select Board by the end of next month.
The Select Board will meet shortly thereafter and finalize the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting, which sets the money line items for all departments for FY27.
The Marion Finance Committee was scheduled to meet on Tuesday, February 17, for a discussion with the town’s Capital Improvements Planning Committee.
Marion Finance Committee
By Jeffrey D. Wagner