The Marion Finance Committee met on Thursday, June 18 in the Town House Annex and on Zoom to discuss FinCom personnel updates, a Harbor Fees Discussion, and looking back to FY26 and ahead through FY27.
The meeting began with a discussion on the changing personnel of the committee, as Member Frederic C. Mock’s term ends at the end of the month after five years on the committee. Chair Sean Healy thanked him for his long and dedicated service and stated the need to bring in a new full member, whom he recommended current Alternate Member G.R. Pitman. the other members concurred, and a unanimous vote of approval was made. The decision is sent to the Select Board who make the final approval at their next meeting.
Next, the committee moved to a discussion on the previous budget season, mainly revolving around highlights, comments, and aspects for potential improvement. The chair motioned to the importance of communication, especially regarding interdepartmental communication throughout the town. “Making sure we have what we need in terms of information, because that’s incredibly important. But it’s difficult,” he said.
After, the committee discussed the ongoing townwide discussion on harbor fees. Healy said, “Harbor Fees, it’s been a hot topic the entire budget season.” They spoke on the roughly 800 moorings in Marion Harbor maintained by the town and the need to adjust the current model. Member Shay Assad recommended asking the Marine Resource Commission at their next meeting, Wednesday, June 24, to allow him to meet with them to get pertinent financial data on the waterways. Select Board Chair John Hoagland then stated education on the harbor and waterways was still crucial; especially noting the importance of town representatives being on the same page in terms of financial needs and impacts.
The next regular meeting of the Marion Finance Committee was not scheduled at adjournment.
Marion Finance Committee
By Sam Bishop