Marblehead voters came out in impressive numbers this Election Day approving a $15 million, three-year override that permanently raises property taxes and reshapes the town’s fiscal future. Check out the Current’s vote tracker for all the results.
The override will restore deep program and staffing cuts in the fiscal 2027 budget. It also builds programs and invests in future capital projects.
Tier/Question 3 was the highest passing tier, with 54% of people supporting it.
After the vote, Select Board Chair Dan Fox addressed people who campaigned for the override.
Here is the impact on property tax bills for a $1 million property over the next three years, according to the town.
Year 1 $430.00
Year 2 $1,080.75
Year 3 $1,547.77
Voters also approved Question 4, a $2.3 million override to cover higher trash costs. That means new trash fees passed at May’s Town Meeting won’t need to take effect. The tax impact for Question 4 is as follows:
Year 1 $220
Year 2 $235.50
Year 3 $251.39
For Marblehead
The pro-override citizens group For Marblehead gathered at The Landing Restaurant after the vote. Co-chair Matt Hooks spoke.
“What we have all done here is truly transformative for this town,” Hooks said. “This hasn’t been done in 21 years. This, by a percentage basis, is the biggest override to pass in the state of Massachusetts in like the last decade.”
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and Aleesha Benjamin released a statement, thanking Headers for supporting the tax hike.
“Tonight’s vote reflects a commitment to investing in the community that residents care so deeply about and ensuring that Marblehead remains a strong and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family,” the statement read.
“We are humbled by the trust that voters have placed int he town’s leadership,” it continued. “With that trust comes a responsibility to continue operating with transparency, accountability and fiscal discipline. We remain committed to keeping residents informed about how these funds are utilized and to advancing the priorities established by the Select Board and the community.”
Better Way
Meanwhile, John DiPiano, spokesman for the anti-override group Better Way Marblehead, wrote the following on social media Tuesday night.
“With the passage of the override, there is no reason for Better Way Marblehead to continue to seek a special town meeting. Better Way Marblehead remains very concerned that the ramifications of this override will not be fully recognized by taxpayers for a few years and will negatively impact Marblehead residents who may already struggle with affordability. Moreover, committee members are also concerned that this outcome will further incentivize reckless spending.”
Contested races
In the most hotly contested races, incumbent Erin Noonan and Rossana Ferrante beat Jenn Schaeffner for two open seats on the Select Board. Incumbent Melissa Clucas and Ann-Marie Jordan beat Sarah Fox for two seats on the School Committee. Moderator Jack Attridge held onto his position. Jeffrey Weeden unseated longtime Housing Authority member Jean Eldridge. Sally Sands will remain on the Cemetery Commission, beating Rose McCarthy.
Board of Health member Tom McMahon earned another three years in office, after winning the most votes in his race. Dr. Julie Selbst will serve two years, and Kristen Dubay Horton will serve one.
In the Recreation and Parks race, incumbents Shelly Bedrossian, Karin Ernst, Chris Kennedy and Larry Simpson all won re-election. Mike McCarthy beat Ken Klaiman to join the commission.
Noonan said she was “honored” to be elected to serve another term on the Select Board.
“I’m grateful for all the support,” she said.
On the override, Noonan said she was thankful to the voters “for trusting on us and in the process.”
The campaign to pass the override was a “very big team effort,” involving the School Committee, Select Board, Finance Committee “and of course all the other boards,” she said.
After an arduous budget season, Noonan said the vote “feels really rewarding.”
Clucas said that job number one now that she has been re-elected to the School Committee will be following through on the memorandum of understanding town leaders signed onto in advance of the vote and rolling out the accountability measures that were promised before the election.
Clucas said she was excited to continue to build the board and the town’s “positive forward momentum.”
“I think Marblehead showed it is ready to invest in itself, and we’re not going to let the voters down,” Clucas said.
Turnout
Voter turnout throughout the day was strong and steady with approximately 47% of registered voters participating. Compare that to 39.4% in last year’s municipal election; 17.8% in 2024 and 40.5% in 2023.
