The Marshfield Select Board reached a stand-still Monday night as internal divisions over the town’s leadership and a looming $7 million fiscal deficit reached a boiling point. The meeting, marked by sharp exchanges between board members and public criticism, saw the collapse of a proposal to appoint a temporary town administrator and a refusal by the chair to schedule a looming recall election. Vice Chair Stephen Darcy, who is not seeking reelection, clashed repeatedly with Chair Eric Kelley over the board's transparency and its refusal to allow a ballot vote on proposed tax overrides to address the town's structural budget gap.

The tension peaked during a discussion on scheduling a special town election following the certification of recall signatures against Chair Kelley. Vice Chair Darcy noted that the certification triggered a legal requirement to hold an election within 60 to 70 days, suggesting Saturday, June 27th as a viable date. Chair Kelley resisted the timeline, stating I'm not ready to make those decisions just yet... I'm probably going to have to discuss this matter with some legal counsel... I'm not rushing into anything if I don't need to. When Darcy asked Kelley directly, Are you still weighing deciding whether or not you're going to resign? Kelley declined to comment. The chair also refused to schedule a separate election for an existing board vacancy, insisting on handling both matters simultaneously despite Darcy's warnings regarding statutory deadlines.

A second flashpoint occurred regarding the Town Administrator search. Chair Kelley introduced James Crider as a candidate for a temporary administrator role to assist with the current financial crisis, but the proposal met immediate resistance. Resident Don Gibson questioned Crider’s professional history, citing a 2015 buyout in Winchendon and past financial management criticisms. What gives you the confidence that Mr. Crider could steer the town of Marshfield in these dire financial times in the right financial direction? Gibson asked. Christine McCarthy, a member of the official search committee, expressed frustration that the board was attempting to bypass the established process. We're confused what are identifying candidates forward to bringing candidates forward to the town for a new town administrator and we're confused, she said. Darcy characterized the move as an inappropriate usurpation of the citizen-led search committee. Crider eventually addressed the room, defending his record by stating he had previously taken responsibility for structural deficits beyond his control, but admitted his potential appointment had become a distraction. No motion was made to hire him.

On the financial front, Building Commissioner Andrew Stewart presented a plan to overhaul the department’s fee structure to help bridge the budget deficit. Stewart noted that Marshfield’s permit fees have not been updated since 2018 and lag significantly behind neighboring communities. He proposed a flat fee of $13 per $1,000 of contract cost, estimating it would have generated an additional $275,000 last year alone. We see an opportunity here to increase revenues for Marshfield in a time when we're struggling a little bit, Stewart said. Interim Town Administrator Peter Maren added that the FY27 revenue forecast already assumes these increases will be approved. Chair Kelley opted to table the vote until the following Monday to allow for further review of the fee schedule.

The board also grappled with the structure of the upcoming Town Meeting warrant, specifically Articles 3B and 3C, which involve the $7 million override. Resident Pam Keith alleged that the warrant was misleading, arguing that the base budget does not legally require an override based on reported revenues. The town meeting warrant does not match what's been talked about in these meetings... Budget B does not need an override, Keith stated. Maren countered that once regional school costs and other assessments are factored in, the $4 million and $7 million deficit figures are accurate. The board remains deadlocked on whether to place the override question on a ballot, with Darcy noting that Town Meeting may approve an appropriation that voters are then denied the right to vote on at the ballot because it hasn't been scheduled.

Despite the friction, the board moved forward on several infrastructure and administrative items. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the lease amendment negotiated by outside special counsel with Next Grid dated April 21, 2026. Motion Passed (2-0-0). The agreement facilitates a solar and battery storage facility at the 23 Clay Pit Road Landfill. Special Counsel Elise and Town Counsel Bob Galvin assured the board that the town is protected by a removal bond equal to 125% of the cost of decommissioning the site. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the draft letter and authorize Melissa Morrisy to send it to the Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means. Motion Passed (2-0-0). The letter opposes state legislation that would end driver's license suspensions for unpaid excise taxes, a tool Morrisy said is vital for maintaining the town's 93% collection rate.

Other business included staffing and community recognitions. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to award the $500 Select Board scholarship to Nathaniel Bosians. Motion Passed (2-0-0). Darcy supported the choice, noting Bosians was definitely a leader in the clubhouse for me due to his status as an Eagle Scout. The board also finalized several annual appointments. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the hiring of Chelsea DaCosta as full-time administrative assistant to the Select Board. Motion Passed (2-0-0). Additionally, Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the list of new and returning seasonal beach hire candidates for 2026. Motion Passed (2-0-0) and Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the annual appointments of assistant harbormasters and assistant shellfish constables from the list submitted by Harbormaster Mike DiMeo. Motion Passed (2-0-0). DiMeo noted that despite a $25,000 budget cut, his department remains level-funded through internal offsets.

The board also signaled its support for a state-wide push for transparency. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the letter addressed to Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka regarding the Massachusetts State Audit. Motion Passed (2-0-0). The letter urges the legislature to respect the 2024 voter mandate allowing the State Auditor to review legislative records. Finally, the board updated its stance on a national legal matter. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to participate in the new national opioid settlement. Motion Passed (2-0-0). Maren clarified that participation carries no cost and ensures the town receives its share of funds for local recovery efforts. A request for a Brant Rock block party was tabled pending formal paperwork, and a permit for continued earth removal on Ames Way was granted. Motion Made by [E. Kelley] to approve the annual earth removal permit for 2026-2027 for B&G Incorporated. Motion Passed (2-0-0).