Marshfield Updates Financial Policies, Considers Sewer Expansion

Town aims to enhance fiscal management and protect water supply

MARSHFIELD, MA - September 23 - Marshfield officials approved updates to the town's consolidated fiscal policy Monday night, introducing changes aimed at improving risk management, accountability and financial planning.

The Select Board unanimously voted to adopt the revised policy, which includes modifications to purchasing thresholds and the introduction of a formal credit card policy.

Town Treasurer / Collector Sean Strobel presented the changes, emphasizing their importance for the town's long-term fiscal health.

"Updated financial policies are essential to the long-term fiscal health and operational effectiveness of any organization, particularly in the public sector," Strobel said. "Financial policies serve as the foundation for sound fiscal management by establishing a framework that governs budgeting, spending, and financial decision-making."

Key changes include reducing the threshold for purchase orders from $2,500 to $1,000 and implementing a formal credit card policy. The new policy also outlines communication methods for invoice submissions and approvals.

Strobel explained that the updates align with recommendations from the Department of Revenue and Division of Local Services.

"This is something that there's a lot of thought to really reflect and really mirror what their recommendations are," he said.

Town Administrator Michael Maresco emphasized the importance of these policies for the town's financial standing.

"If you have really good financial policies, you have good credit, you get great bond ratings," Maresco said. He cited the town's successful 2019 bond issuance for major projects, which secured favorable interest rates due to Marshfield's strong financial policies.

In a separate discussion, the Board of Public Works presented plans for a potential sewer system expansion, citing concerns about groundwater contamination and the need to accommodate future development.

Bob Shaughnessy, Chair of the Board of Public Works, outlined a 10-year master plan for sewer expansion, which includes areas like South River and Kent Park.

"We need to protect ourselves," Shaughnessy said. "So if we have a tight wastewater treatment system, we have tight sewers, we could actually do something about the wastewater if that's being pushed on us in the future."

The board emphasized the importance of addressing infiltration and inflow issues in the current system before expanding. Shawn Patterson, DPW Superintendent, noted that these updates would require additional funding beyond what ratepayers can support.

"We need to take care of the inflow and infiltration, I&I issues in the low lying areas, relying infrastructure that is compromised, leaking or corroded, and replace valves that are not working properly," Patterson said.

The expansion plans also consider potential high-density housing developments near MBTA stations, which could strain the current wastewater system.

Shaughnessy stressed the connection between wastewater management and drinking water protection.

"We're not gonna have water. We're gonna put all this wastewater into our zone too," he said. "We're not gonna have water to have any development."

The board is working with a consultant to develop a comprehensive master plan for the sewer expansion. However, funding remains a significant challenge, with previous attempts to secure state funding for the project unsuccessful.

Select Board members expressed interest in the plan but raised questions about its impact on rates and the town's ability to fund such a large-scale project.

The board agreed to continue discussions on the sewer expansion plans, recognizing the complexity and long-term nature of the project.

In other business, the Select Board approved several community events, including the annual Duck Derby fundraiser and the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot run. They also accepted donations for the animal shelter and Council on Aging.