In a significant shift for Marshfield’s government structure, voters approved Article 6, a citizens petition to expand the Select Board from three to five members. Petitioner Brian Fleming argued that Marshfield has outgrown its current executive structure, noting that it is the largest town in the region still operating with only three members. Fleming emphasized that Open Meeting Laws prevent three-member boards from communicating outside of public meetings, whereas a five-member board would allow two members to collaborate without constituting a legal quorum.

The proposal drew sharp debate. Select Board Chair Kelly Peterson spoke against the expansion, arguing that the board’s current size is effective and that the focus should instead be on securing a full-time Town Administrator. Peterson suggested that the state's Open Meeting Laws themselves were the problem. However, many residents disagreed. Former Charter Review Committee member Don Gibson noted that 61% of residents supported a five-member board during a 2017-2018 survey, calling it a good idea then... and a good idea now. Town Clerk Narice Casper also supported the move, stating a larger board provides a broader view of what's going on in our town.

The approved article authorizes the town to submit special legislation to the General Court to transition the board. While some, like resident Steve Lynch, argued for a more drastic shift to a mayor and city council system, the hall ultimately favored the incremental expansion in a lopsided standing vote of 483 to 54.

Motion: To authorize submission of special legislation to transition to a five-member board.

Vote: Passed 483-54