Copyright 2007 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Monday, April 30, 2007

By SYDNEY SCHWARTZ
The Patriot Ledger

MARSHFIELD - For the first time in 15 years, voters have approved a property tax hike, but the additional $2 million that prevents about 20 layoffs will keep the budget balanced for only one year.

‘‘The challenge is we still have that structural deficit,’’ Selectmen Chairman Michael Maresco said. ‘‘The budgets will continue to be tight unless the state steps up and increases local aid.’’

The vote for the $2 million override of Proposition 2½ was 3,357 to 2,918, 53 to 47 percent. Another proposal in Saturday’s election for a $4 million override, which officials said would balance the budget for three years, was rejected 3,360 to 2,895.

It was the second override approved this year on the South Shore for operating expenses. Voters in Scituate passed a $3.5 million tax hike last month. Overrides were defeated in Rockland and Randolph.

When the fiscal year begins July 1, Marshfield will have a $70.1 million budget that town meeting approved last week contingent on the $2 million override.

The town will avoid layoffs in the police, fire and public works departments and in the schools.

The library will be able to open on Sundays, as in years past, and will not have to cut hours, Maresco said.

The budget also will restore positions lost in this year’s $65.9 million budget, including three each in the fire and police departments, two in public works and several in the schools.

The override will permanently increase the annual taxes on a home assessed at $400,000 by $168.

‘‘The voters chose to give us the smaller of the overrides, but they did choose to give us more funding for our town,’’ said Matthew McDonough, who was elected to the school committee Saturday.

‘‘We are looking at having to do this all over again next year,’’ said Nancy Currie, who was also elected to the school committee. ‘‘With the smaller of the two overrides, I think that’s going to be our biggest concern.’’

Maresco said selectmen would meet with town departments and residents, including Joseph Shrand, chairman of the Marshfield Matters pro-override committee, to discuss whether another override will be necessary.

He also hopes to set up a strategic fiscal planning task force.

‘‘No decision’s been made at this moment,’’ Maresco said. ‘‘Once we gather that information, then we can make a definitive answer: ‘Are we going to move forward and try to get the additional $2 million?’’’

Selectmen will keep the budget process as transparent as possible if they decide to pursue another override, Maresco said.

He cited this year’s three public hearings in helping to educate the public on the need for an override.

Selectmen were planning to ask for a $4 million override until early March, after residents requested a lower amount at two public hearings.

‘‘Many citizens felt the $4 million override would’ve been too heavy a tax burden,’’ said Bob Jackman, who proposed a middle-of-the-road option. ‘‘On the other hand, you have to balance the tax burden against municipal services.’’

Officials offered the $2 million alternative, but warned residents that it would be insufficient.

‘‘If we do a one-year override, we will be facing the same problem in 2009,’’ Town Administrator John Clifford said in March.

Sydney Schwartz may be reached at sschwartz@ledger.com .

http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2007/04/30/news/news03.txt