During the December 10 meeting, the Select Board took a significant step in solidifying the town's financial team while opting for a "reset" on its top leadership position. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Sumner opened the session with a progress report on municipal assets and the upcoming fiscal outlook. Sumner told the board, I just wanted to let you all know that we had closed on the 91 Old Colony Lane property that was authorized by the Fall town meeting... really all my time lately has been spending with Meg, our town accountant, working on the financial forecast which will be presenting to the select board next Monday.

The board’s first major action was the appointment of Melissa Morrisy as the new Treasurer Collector. During her interview, Morrisy emphasized the need for resident engagement and fiscal transparency to navigate modern municipal pressures. Morrisy noted, I think it's just being willing to take the time to speak to your residents because if you don't want to be in conversation with them, they want to know why. She also advocated for conservative budgeting and leveraging tourism and commercial growth to offset the limitations of Proposition 2.5. Following the discussion, Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to appoint Melissa Morrisy as treasurer collector for the Town of Marshfield on terms and conditions acceptable to the select board and town administrator, effective January 16, 2026. Motion Passed 3-0

Attention then turned to the search for a permanent Town Administrator, where the board ultimately decided not to move forward with either finalist, Kyle Gfkin or Lali Dalpy. Chair Eric S. Kelley expressed deep reservations regarding Gfkin’s urban planning philosophy, stating, Mr. Gfkin's smart city ideology to build dense housing as one way to help undo the financial situation Marshfield is in is out of characteristic for Marshfield and for myself. Vice Chair Stephen R. Darcy echoed the need for specific Massachusetts experience and a better understanding of the town’s decentralized charter. Darcy remarked, I don't think we're obligated to make a decision if we don't feel like it's a best fit over the course of the next three years... at a minimum what we need is someone who does have that direct applicable experience and someone who is well-versed and familiar with how Massachusetts works.

Member Patricia Simpson suggested that while the search process provided valuable feedback, the town would be better served by continuing with its interim leadership for the time being. Simpson said, I do agree that, you know, we're very fortunate to have Charlie and Peter that if they can step into these roles, we should take advantage of that until we find the the right fit for us. Resident Peg Davis spoke during public comment to support the board's hesitation, adding, I kind of had the same feelings that neither one of these was an ideal fit for our town. The board concluded the discussion by moving to dissolve the current search committee. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to disband the town administrative search committee effective December 10th at 7 o'clock p.m. Motion Passed 3-0

The meeting concluded with a vote to enter a non-public session regarding legal matters. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to go to executive session to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation or potential litigation that is demonstrably likely where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect... and further not to return to open session. Motion Passed 3-0