The Old Rochester Regional School Committee met on February 27.  The committee set out to cover FY26 budget changes, curriculum updates, and other concerns. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget discussions.             Superintendent Michael S. Nelson began with general work and the committee approved foreign exchange students for next year as […] Read more »

            The Marion Select Board met on Tuesday to tackle various action items at a time when local focus begins to draw towards the Annual Town Meeting, the Town Election, and the FY26 budget.             Present in the audience was Planning Board Chairman Andrew Daniel. The board also welcomed Kaylan Valadao, the town’s new treasurer/collector, […] Read more »

            The Marion Finance Committee met on February 26 for a discussion with Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jody Dickerson and held further talks regarding the Draft Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.             Dickerson and the committee spoke on Waste Management’s contract expiring on December 31, 2025. He mentioned the increase of fees to people […] Read more »

            The Marion Zoning Board of Appeals met on February 27 for a public hearing and to go over various correspondences with other boards.             Shane C. and Denise Whittaker of 6 Cole Road had requested a Special Permit to “allow the removal and reconstruction of a legally non-conforming, single-family dwelling which would not increase […] Read more »

It’s a very busy time of the year for our tri-town municipal offices that deal with budgets.             While capital-planning committees, finance committees, and select boards grapple with the fine details related to all things budget, many voters will be seeing budget spreadsheets for the first time – at Town Meeting. That is likely not […] Read more »

In a sharp response to recent criticism of the way officials are handling the plan for a new fire station on the former Rochester Country Fairgrounds, Rochester’s Select Board Monday clarified the facts with help from members of the Public Safety Facility Building Committee.             At the board’s last meeting two weeks ago, Select Board […] Read more »

            The Marion Finance Committee met on February 20 to go over a draft of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Chairman Shay Assad began the meeting by welcoming Town Administrator Geoff Gorman and Finance Director Heather O’Brien. Following the approval of the previous meeting’s minutes, discussions were underway on next year’s budget.             Gorman presented […] Read more »

The Marion Planning Board met Tuesday, February 18 and welcomed Olivia Pryor, a new Administrative Assistant.             The Chair asked that members email him directly should they have concerns arising from the meeting. Issues such as improper procedures, technical problems, distractions, or other issues. When said issues arise and when the chair is notified. he […] Read more »

On February 20, the Mattapoisett Zoning Board of Appeals heard a new variance petition filed by William Wennerberg for property located on Fairhaven Road. The posted petition notes that the applicant is seeking to build a three-bedroom, two-story home on a lot that had previously been petitioned and approved by the board.             Representing the […] Read more »

            Rochester’s Planning Board began its meeting Tuesday by reviewing a unique proposal to permit a floating solar array at 53 Dexter Lane.             In an informal discussion of the project with the board, Matt Swanberg of New Leaf Energy explained such a design is only allowed on man-made ponds. That means cranberry ponds used for […] Read more »