The Marshfield Advisory Board met Dec. 29 to review a five-year fiscal forecast projecting a $4.5 million deficit for fiscal year 2027, a figure that could reach $6 million depending on upcoming union negotiations. Interim Town Administrator Charlie Seelig and Finance Director Meg LaMay characterized the town’s current financial status as a perfect storm of dwindling revenues and rising fixed costs. Seelig warned that the town has historically over-relied on one-time funds to cover operating expenses, stating, You’ve exhausted way too many reserves. You’ve overly relied on free cash and you have that South Shore regional tech high school project to deal with. The forecast highlights new pressures, including a $643,000 increase in vocational school assessments and a $300,000 annual fee for the town's new Munis financial software.

Board members expressed concern over shrinking revenue from local receipts and solar projects, which have historically balanced the budget. Member Vin Fialho questioned the historical context of the shortfall, asking, Have we ever faced a $6 million hole to dig out from under? LaMay explained that previous revenue estimates were overly optimistic, noting that the initial estimate for fiscal year 2026 utilized nearly 100% of available local receipts. To combat this, the finance team recommended shifting toward a pay-as-you-go capital plan to retire non-excluded debt. Wayne Brumbaugh inquired if the town's financial accounting required a reset, while Assessor Anne Marie Synnott signaled a change in tone at Town Hall, telling the board, I’m just very happy now that I have a finance team that listens.

The board also addressed a request from the Select Board to draft a formal mission statement to improve transparency and volunteer recruitment. Eric Kelly explained the initiative's intent, stating, I think it would be nice to have a mission statement just to attract people that have an understanding of what it’s all about. While Paul Verlicco provided an initial draft via Zoom, noting it was probably easier if you read the draft, members like Donald Ricciuti advocated for a broader definition of the board's role. Ricciuti suggested that we deal with non-financial matters too and I think that should be included. The board ultimately voted to table the mission statement for further refinement. **Motion Passed 10-0**

As the board prepared for the upcoming spring budget cycle, Chair Jason Deegan assigned various town departments to members for detailed liaison reviews. Member Scott Feeney noted the utility of the new forecast data, saying, I think this memo that you all put together is a wonderful lens for us and this board to look at these upcoming budget meetings. Ed Scollins expressed specific interest in tracking town liabilities, stating, I’d be interested in the debt to find out more about what's going on with the debt. Brian Murphy confirmed his availability for the financial departments, while Jan Shovlin volunteered for the Board of Health, noting, I have a finance background, too. Deegan concluded by thanking the interim staff for their transparency, noting, I know that you’re on a tight, tight schedule, so it’s good to have you here to help.

The meeting was adjourned at 52:26.