Marion Select Board — October 20, 2026

The Marion Select Board met on October 20, 2026, conducting two public hearings and addressing an array of municipal business, property issues, and financial reports. In the first hearing, the board approved the transfer of an all-alcohol off-premises package store license and change of location for Magan Corp., doing business as Marion Town Liquors, moving from Vino Divino at 154 Front Street to 664 Mill Street, subject to building code inspections and property cleanup. In the second hearing, the board approved the removal of a hazardous, rot-compromised heritage red oak tree located across from 4 Park Street near the ball fields at an estimated cost of $6,500. Additionally, the board approved a road opening permit amendment for 49 Water Street, substituting clean compactable fill for flowable fill over an Eversource gas line with an extended warranty, and granted a sewer regulation variance for a manual grease trap at 413 Wareham Street for Uncle John's Coffees.

The board held an extended discussion regarding a decrepit and abandoned property at 28 Pitcher Street, where neighbors complained of rodent, raccoon, and animal infestations as well as fire and health hazards. Select Board members agreed to coordinate inspections with the Board of Health, building commissioner, and fire chief, while consulting town counsel and inviting property trustee Neil Balboni to an upcoming meeting. The board also reviewed approximately 30 tax title properties representing over $1 million in delinquent taxes and interest, and authorized Town Administrator Jeff Gorman to proceed with notification and shutoff procedures for delinquent water accounts exceeding $5,000 and 120 days past due.

Finance Director Heather O'Brien presented a comprehensive financial update covering the FY25 audit, the town's $9.7 million net unfunded OPEB liability, and more than $604,000 in aged uncollectible ambulance receivables. She also reviewed FY26 first-quarter operating performance, noted Marion's AAA bond rating, and framed initial questions and forecasts for the upcoming FY28 budget cycle. Other board actions included approving meeting minutes, appointments to the Affordable Housing Trust, decreeing Community Center Road as an accepted town road for grant eligibility, voting on several water and sewer commitments, and granting a special one-day alcoholic beverage license for a November 14 memorial luncheon.

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