The Marshfield Select Board moved to stabilize town leadership during its latest session by appointing Charles Sumner as the new interim town administrator. Sumner, an experienced public servant who previously led the town of Brewster for nearly 30 years, was hired at a rate of $105 per hour for a four-day work week starting October 27. During his interview, Sumner was transparent about a planned five-week absence in early 2025, stating, I do go away for the winter... but as I was talking to the current interim town administrator, you're actively engaged in a search process now. Andy Wenning, chair of the citizen search committee, provided a hopeful timeline for a permanent replacement, noting, I'm happy to report I think yes [we will have someone by January], and we'll have someone for the select board to interview a few candidates.

Following the appointment, the board turned its attention to the upcoming Town Meeting warrant, leading to a significant vote on the Martinson Elementary School roof repair. While the project carries a high price tag, the board ultimately supported the measure to secure state funding. Patricia Simpson emphasized the need for better communication between town departments regarding such large expenditures, remarking, I think that there needs to be—and especially if they're coming to the town looking for this money—some dialogue between the select board and the school committee. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to favorably recommend Article 7 for the Martinson Elementary School roof repair. Motion Passed 3-0.

Contentious debate arose over the MBTA Communities Act zoning articles, which the board ultimately declined to recommend. Vice Chair Stephen R. Darcy acknowledged the difficulty of the state-mandated zoning, saying, There are no good choices, just trying to chart the best possible path and outcome. However, Chair Eric S. Kelley and Simpson remained opposed to the current proposals. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to favorably recommend Articles 13, 14, and 15 regarding MBTA Communities zoning. Motion Failed 1-2 (Eric S. Kelley Nay, Patricia Simpson Nay). The board also recommended the $735,000 purchase of land at 91 Old Colony Lane to prevent a proposed heliport. Town Counsel Robert Galvin noted the site's versatility, stating, The property could be converted to maybe one, two, or more units for affordable housing. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to favorably recommend Article 11 for the acquisition of 91 Old Colony Lane. Motion Passed 3-0.

In other warrant business, the board recommended a new three-year contract for the fire department and a 2% wage increase for non-union personnel. Motion Made by Eric S. Kelley to favorably recommend Article 2 for the collective bargaining agreement with the Marshfield Firefighters Department. Motion Passed 3-0. The board also supported an article that would allow the town to increase veteran tax exemptions by up to 100% under the Heroes Act. Eric S. Kelley reflected on the fiscal pressure facing residents during the school roof discussion, stating, I apologize to everybody out there that doesn't want me to do this, but I have no choice. The meeting was adjourned at 6:27.