Public safety leaders detailed the tangible costs of a No Override budget on Tuesday, warning the Select Board that the Marshfield Police Department faces the loss of two positions while the Fire Department continues to struggle with an over-extended staff. The warnings came during a strategic review of the fiscal year 2027 budget, where department heads outlined the operational strains of 20 years of rising call volumes against the backdrop of a potential $7 million town deficit.

Police Chief Dvarus reported that his department is preparing for a $350,000 cut under the town’s Option A base budget. Such a reduction would eliminate one vacant Lieutenant position and one vacant Patrol position, along with $87,000 in expenses. Dvarus highlighted a 276% increase in calls for service over the last two decades, noting that the department has added only four officers in that time despite a summer population that swells to 47,000 residents. S. Darcy questioned whether adding staff could eventually curb the department's reliance on overtime. Chief Dvarus explained that while additional staff helps, the 24/7 nature of the job and mandatory training make overtime an unavoidable reality, stating that adding officers is a 32-year commitment.

The budget review took a sharp turn when Chair E. Kelley questioned whether the Police Captain’s role in managing finances while remaining a union member created a conflict of interest. Chief Dvarus defended his staff, stating he was offended by the insinuation of anything sneaky and asserting that the Captain is highly well-versed in municipal finance. E. Kelley maintained a focus on state-level pressures, asking for a comprehensive list of unfunded mandates to present to state officials, noting that the town needs to quantify these costs more effectively.

Fire Chief Lalva and Fire Deputy Smith presented a similarly strained picture of the Fire Department, which currently operates with 50 members despite being built for 55. Lalva explained that the current staffing of 10 or 11 members per shift requires cross-staffing, a process that takes fire engines out of service to man ambulances for EMS calls, which now account for 70% of the department's workload. Deputy Smith noted that while filling the five vacancies would cost $400,000, it could potentially save the town up to $300,000 in overtime costs while improving safety. It increases safety and response times by ensuring apparatus are properly manned, Lalva said.

Public sentiment remained focused on the broader fiscal crisis and the board’s refusal to put an override question before voters. Resident Greg Cohen expressed shock at the scale of proposed cuts, specifically the dismissal of over 100 educators. To say that we're not going to do it and that everybody in town doesn't have a choice or a voice is not acceptable, Cohen said. Chris San Antonio echoed this concern, quoting Thomas Jefferson and questioning E. Kelley’s reluctance to allow a ballot vote on the override. E. Kelley thanked the residents for their comments but did not provide a direct response regarding the ballot schedule.

Earlier in the evening, the board moved into a private session to discuss the ongoing search for a permanent Town Administrator and labor negotiations. Motion Made by E. Kelley to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining. Motion Passed 2-0-0. After reconvening at 6:17 PM, the board handled the department reviews before moving to wrap up the night with further deliberation on leadership gaps. Motion Made by E. Kelley to restart tonight's Select Board meeting. Motion Passed 2-0-0.

The board will continue its deep dive into the budget on May 28, focusing on significant fixed costs including healthcare and pensions. Interim Town Administrator Morin noted a potential silver lining regarding healthcare, mentioning that Blue Cross Blue Shield’s financial health might lead to more favorable rates than the 14% increase initially feared. S. Darcy suggested that the board perform a test run of a line-item review for a smaller department in the future to improve transparency, stating, I'll say that just everybody don't forget next Monday is Memorial Day. So we hope we see everybody at the parade.

Before concluding the public portion of the meeting, Motion Made by E. Kelley that we go to Executive Session without returning to open session. Motion Passed 2-0-0.