The Rochester Finance Committee started and ended its meeting Monday with presentations of the FY26 school budgets that will be decided on at the May 19 Annual Town Meeting.

            The request for Rochester’s portion of the FY26 Old Colony Regional Vocational-Technical High School budget will be $1,844,044. Superintendent Aaron Polansky shared via a written presentation on the numbers for the next fiscal year that this is only a 1.19% increase for member towns over FY25. He and Business Manager Sarah Griffith said the increase was caused by a 2.93% surge in insurance costs, the addition of $45,000 for an assistant to the director of Technology, and a $20,000 stipend for the vocational director (in lieu of a full-time co-op coordinator). To achieve the minimal increase, Polansky said, the $110,000 request for this coordinator was withdrawn, $51,353 of long-term debt was retired, a vocational instructor position was cut saving another $98,000, and the $75,000 cost of a ballot-vote question was moved from stabilization.

            Finance Committee member David Arancio asked about the future financial impact of Old Colony’s plans for a new building. Polansky responded that this project is in the planning stages, and the school is actively keeping member towns informed. The project’s progress is posted on the school website. The school will hold an Informational Breakfast on April 15 for member town clerks and town administrators, he said, wherein each town may bring along up to four guests such as Select Board and Finance Committee members as well, and he will bring a formal presentation to Rochester officials at a later time.

            Polansky said he knows the results will be a big ask when the plan gets to the schematic stage. “But we want to be completely transparent and open,” he said. “Look at our chronological order of everything that’s been done so far on our website.”

            Next, the Finance Committee approved increasing the town’s Cost of Living Increase factor for FY26 salaries to 2.5%. Finance Director Suzanne Szyndlar said this would have an impact of adding $75,000 to the town budget.

            The panel then re-voted FY26 budget allocations for several town departments, highlighted by the most contentious of these items. Town Administrator Cameron Durant recommended the committee transfer $4,500 from the general fund to the Town Administrator’s account. He explained an assistant in his department, Emily Harding, is already doing a lot of extra work for Town Clerk Marjorie Barrows, and this would be a stipend to compensate Harding for her time with those duties.

            The board approved this motion, but not before Arancio objected that the town clerk should be present for her perspective on this move. It allows the town administrator to act as town clerk, he said. “This muddies the waters a little, and is not as clean as it is being projected,” Arancio added.

            Durant noted that Town Counsel has signed off on this approach. “There’s no more affordable way to do this,” he said. “We have to put at least a Band-Aid on this problem.”

            Szyndlar noted Harding is already handling tax bills and other such duties. “It is in her job description,” she said. “This is like a pay increase, pay for training.”

            The committee finished its business Monday with Old Rochester Regional School District and Rochester Memorial School budget presentations from Superintendent Michael Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howard Barber.

            Nelson started his RMS budget presentation by noting the town school gets a minimal amount of state aid, and special education is one of its biggest budget drivers. Its FY25 Sped account is $250,000 in the negative. State aid for FY26 is an increase of $27,900, or 2.3 percent above FY25. His budget solutions for FY26 include no new programs and not rehiring to replace some retirees. The approved budget for FY26 is $7,251,822, a net increase of $78,418 or 1.093% over last year.

            The Old Rochester Regional School District’s assessment against Rochester for FY26 will be $5,671,113 for the operating budget, $33,395 for capital stabilization, and $19,075 for Capital BAN debt. The committee’s final vote of the night was to approve the $5,671,113 assessment figure for the Town Meeting Warrant.

            The Finance Committee’s next meeting will be on Zoom on Monday, April 7 to discuss revisions of the FY26 Fire Department budget.

Rochester Finance Committee

By Michael J. DeCicco

            The Marion Marine Resource Commission (MRC) met on Wednesday, March 19 and following the correction of a formatting error on the minutes from their last meeting, February 24, the commission began discussions on harbor management, capital projects, and the FY26 budget.

            The group began by talking about the citizens’ petition to remove the Harbormaster from the Police Department, though the Marine Resource Commission stated they were unaware of the exact reasoning for this petition. Said petition made it by the deadline and will therefore appear on the Town Meeting Warrant. Chair Vincent J. Malkoski, Jr. spoke on the history of this, saying, “the decision was made to move the harbormaster onto the police department because they are acting as police officers, and they’re armed. So, the decision was made to consolidate all the folks carrying weapons under one department.” He mentioned the possibility of the two departments re-separating, though he did state the harbormaster would lose some of their enforcement abilities, saying “nobody’s gonna pay attention to them.” Malkoski also said should the warrant pass, a large-scale restructuring would be necessary.

            Next to be discussed was the proposed dingy fees and harbor fee changes. Said proposed changes were withdrawn, though the commission will still circle back and discuss possible changes to be presented at a later date, as specified at the original time of withdrawal. In term of the new Harbor Plan, the chair said, in tandem with fees, the commission must “roll everything into the plan and look at everything.” He stated more analysis and research must be done, but the process for a new Harbor Plan is “a public one.” Meaning MRC will make the recommendation for the public to comment on and for the Select Board to decide.

            Shell fishing and the degradation of the harbor and possible over-collection of resources was also cited as a concern for the Harbor Plan, with the chair saying, “I’s a public process. I don’t know how far we’re going to get, but these are the things that need to be looked at. It’s a finite resource and that’s what everybody has to understand.”

            The last topic for discussion was the upcoming MRC elections, where Vincent j. Malkoski, Jr. was recommended to run again, with current member Cheryl Souza looking into running as Vice Chair. Member Michael Moore was nominated as Secretary, or “scribe.” The slate of officers was approved unanimously by the commission.

            The next meeting of the Marion Marine Resource Commission is currently scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 in the Marion Marine Center Conference Room.

Marion Marine Resource Commission

By Sam Bishop

The Mattapoisett Conservation Commission met on March 24 with an agenda that was straightforward.

            Three Requests for Certificates of Compliance were swiftly dispatched, two were approved for Patrick and Jean Breault, 6 Old Mattapoisett Neck Road, and another for James Stowe, 5 Seamarsh Way.

            A Request for an Amended Order of Conditions was approved for a Notice of Intent filed by The Myatt Family Trust for the conversion of an existing deck into a sunroom.

            Earlier in the proceedings, a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by 12 Highland Avenue Trust to remove and replace a ground level deck and to add a multi-level deck addition received a negative two decision.

            A Continued Notice of Intent filing from Alexandra Ablon, 4 Island View Avenue, for the construction of an accessory garage (possible accessary dwelling unit) and the removal of invasive vegetation with wetlands restoration plan was conditioned. Conditions note that storm water drainage is to flow to foundation drainage system. David Davignon of Schneider Davignon and Leone stated that the project is scheduled to be heard for a Special Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals soon.

            A Continued Notice of Intent filed by Richard Waterhouse, 0 Bay View Avenue for removal and management of phragmites and other invasive species removal was conditioned with a mandate for professional licensed technician performing the task. Member David Nicolosi advocated for licensed application of herbicides close to shellfish beds. The Commission members were in agreement.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission is scheduled for April 14.

Mattapoisett Conservation Commission

By Marilou Newell

The Marion Finance Committee met Wednesday, March 19 for further talks on the FY26 budget as well as trying to nail down the budgets of local schools; them being ORR and Sippican School. Following the approval of the minutes of previous meetings, March 5 and March 12, the committee introduced Superintendent Mike Nelson and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Howard Barber to the meeting. Chair of the Marion School Committee April Nye was also in attendance.

            The Superintendent began by discussing changes in this year’s budget versus the last. “The school department recognizes the financial climate and stretched revenue streams that we’re all facing. Not only here in Marion, but statewide” he began. He then noted this year’s budget development has been one of the more difficult during his tenure (2020-present), noting the continuing increase in expenses. He also cited the district receiving minimal state funds due to “Hold Harmless” status, “we are receiving the minimal per-pupil increases from Chapter 70 funding in year of.” He also stated the department is not requesting new programs nor additional hiring to go above “level-service budgeting” to minimize budget rises.

            He then mentioned the biggest contribution to the budget’s rise, that being student services including special education and transportation. Nelson said the cost for tuition and transportation for an out-of-district is “pretty dramatic” saying the cost could range between $150,000 to $200,000.

            He also spoke on curriculum and the Department of Education stating the district’s math curriculum is not “considered high quality status.” After an extensive review, the Superintendent said that the purchasing of a 3-year math program made the most sense financially. This would be a one-time, non-recurring cost of $70,000.

            Assistant Superintendent Howard Barber presented the school’s desire to better meet student IEPs (individualized education programs). These needs do generally increase costs, though it was cited the desire is to expand school capability instead of outsourcing.

            In order to limit the budget further, later in the meeting, Superintendent Nelson said, “we could, which we have done, every department will be reduced in some capacity in terms of staffing. He then touched on the “apparent elimination” of the Department of Education, saying, “there is no direct impact on us right now” but did mention later worry of free school breakfast/lunch, which come from federal grants.

            Following the departure of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Town Administrator spoke of the Town Meeting Warrant Draft and a special meeting with the Select Board Monday, March 24 to go over estimations and streamline budgetary information.

            The next meeting of the Marion Financial Committee will be held on Wednesday, March 26 in the Marion Town House Conference Room at 7:00 pm.

Marion Finance Committee

By Sam Bishop

            The Marion Select Board met on Monday for a special meeting to continue discussions on the FY26 Draft Budget and the Draft Town Meeting Warrant. The Select Board and town administrator seek to have the Draft Town Meeting Warrant finalized as soon as possible, so they began with discussions on the contained articles.

            As the warrant is still a draft, the articles and dollar amounts are still subject to change. Article 1, dealing with various boards year over year, was approved with no further comment. Article 2 is the FY26 budget itself, and the General Fund Operating Budget. Finance Director Heather O’Brien stated, “we’re still working on closing that to zero, but we’re getting very close.” She added there is nothing to vote on for this article yet. Articles 3 and 4, which deal with Water and Sewer respectively, were approved without question.

            Addressing Article 5, the Board of Accessors overlay and was also agreed upon without question. Article 6 is in reference to the allocation of $50,000 of Free Cash for the funding of accrued benefits for retiring employees, which is to be amended to add the current grand total of available funds. Article 7, covering Free Cash allotment to maintenance, will also be amended to include this. Article 8 is the proposed update to the town’s finance system and time-keeping software. The cost needs to be added to the article, as it currently contains a placeholder. Article 9 is the transfer of Free Cash to the Building Commissioner for emergency demolition services.

            Article 10 deals with tax foreclosure procedures on delinquent real estate parcels in town. Articles 11 and 12 were both added recently from requests from the Marion School Committee. Article 11 covers out-of-district placement costs, with Article 12 written for the purchase of new math curriculum. Article 13 is for the transfer of $300,000 in Free Cash to DPW for road and sidewalk maintenance. Article 14 proposes the allocation of $150,000 in Free Cash for funding and salary adjustments for non-union personnel.

            Article 15 proposes $100,000 for the funding of student officers’ training for the Police Department. Article 16 is for the large-scale monetary transfer for the town’s Capital Improvement Plan. Article 17 covers renovations to the Marion Town House for ADA compliance, fire suppression, building-code compliance, and HVAC additions. Article 18 is for the payment of $12,000,000 in debt for Old Rochester Regional School District capital improvements. Article 19 sees $100,000 transferred to the Other Post-Employment Benefit Liability Trust Fund (OPEB).

            Article 20 is an annual article to spend $2,000 of the Chester A. Vose Fund for the reduction of taxes. Article 21 is a Town Bylaw change, altering Section 7-16 (Duties) of Article IV (Community Preservation Committee) of Chapter 7 (Boards, Commission and Committees) of the Code Of Marion for the slight modification of text and grammar in the bylaw. Article 22 uses a placeholder dollar amount and is for the return of unobligated Community Preservation Act (CPA) project-allocated funds back to the town’s Community Preservation Act fund. Article 23 is an annual article that covers some administrative costs for the Community Preservation Committee. Article 24, as Town Administrator Geoffrey Gormansaid, “is an administrative article to move monies around.”

            Article 25 is for the restoration of the Marion Congressional Church’s historic clock. Article 26 sees the standardization of signage for various open spaces and recreational areas. Article 27 sees $536,547 of previously approved CPA funds reallocated for Townhouse sprinklers and ADA compliance. Article 28 is for $33,000 of CPA funds to be allocated to the assessment and preservation of Native American artifacts at the Marion Natural History Museum. Article 29 sees the funding for the Marion Shared Use Path Easement Appraisals, originally approved in May 2022, be automatically moved back to the Community Preservation Fund after June 30, 2026.

            Article 30 extends the deadline for the Marion Shared Use Path Easements approved in May 2024, to be automatically moved back to the Community Preservation Fund after June 30, 2027. Article 31 extends the funding period for the Boatyard Park Survey and Signage Project. Article 32 deletes Chapter 120 (Stretch Energy Code) from the Code of Marion. Article 33 amends Article VII (Oaths) of Chapter 7 (Boards, Commissions and Committees) of the Code of Marion by changing grammar, the article’s title, and its layout. Article 34 amends Article II (Water Use Restrictions) of Chapter 218 (Water) of the Code of Marion by altering grammar and bolding/underlining text.

            Article 35 is for the adoption of a historic district and the addition of Chapter XXX (Marion Village Historic District) to the Code of Marion. Article 36 is for the addition of Chapter 193 (Stormwater management) to the Code of Marion. Article 36 was struck from the Warrant and removed by a vote from Select Board members Toby Burr and Randy Parker until more discussion takes place. Article 37 amends Section 230-8.14 (Reserved) of Chapter 230 (Zoning) of the Code of Marion with the addition of a section on “Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Units.” Article 38 updates zoning definitions and floor-area information in the Code of Marion. Article 39 removes Section 8.6 (Accessory Apartments) of Article VIII (Special Provisions) from the Code of Marion.

            Article 40 adds Section 8.15 (Short-Term Rentals) of Chapter 203 (Zoning) to the Code of Marion. Article 41 changes the principle-use table to reflect the previously discussed, proposed bylaw additions. Article 42 is the acceptation of a local, short-term-rental occupancy tax. Article 43 refers to the Heroes Act and increases the amount of veterans’ exemption allowed. Article 44 authorizes the Select Board to accept to convey grants of easement for streets, water, drainage, sewer, and utility.

            Articles 45 and 46 are for revolving funds, 45 Recreation and 46 Public Health. The next few are annual, with Articles 47-51 authorizing the Select Board to carry out its usual duties.

            Article 52 sees if the town will consider reports from town officers and committees. Article 53 approves the ballot for all necessary town officials for the Town Election on May 16.

            The final articles are citizens petitions. Article 54 withdraws from the Green Communities program. Article 56 removes the Harbormaster and the office of from within the Police Department. Article 57 regards the maintenance of roads and sidewalks.

            The three questions on the ballot cover authorization of debt exclusion for Town House renovations, debt exclusion for ORR School District, and debt exclusion for the citizens petition regarding road/sidewalks maintenance. A final, special article, Article S1, transfers $25,000 for supplement snow and ice.

            Changes to the Town Meeting Warrant will conclude on Tuesday, April 1, with the warrant being posted April 2. The Annual Town Meeting is to be held on Monday, May 12.

            The next regular meeting of the Marion Select Board will take place Tuesday, April 1, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House’s conference room.

Marion Select Board

By Sam Bishop