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Town hires treasurer
The town has hired a new treasurer, Shaun Strobel. Strobel has more than 20 years experience as a treasurer in various municipalities, including Worcester, Sharon and, most recently, Marshfield. For the last several years, Marblehead has combined the positions of treasurer and collector. Cami Iannarelli remains as collector.
The collector is responsible for billing and collecting money owed to the town, including property taxes. The treasurer manages that money.
School business manager
On Aug. 3, the School Committee approved the hiring of Kristen Morello as director of finance pending successful contract negotiations. Morello has been working as assistant director under Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling, who is leaving the district later this fall.
Money back
Pfifferling informed the School Committee that the district has about $800,000 (or 1.6% of the budget) left over from fiscal year 2026 and will be returning that money to the town.
MMLD big votes
At its next meeting on Sept. 19, the Marblehead Light Commission is expected to take two important votes.
First, the commission will decide whether to approve a surcharge required for the town to become a Green Community. The surcharge would add about $4 to the annual electric bill in town. The Green Community designation makes the town eligible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in sustainability grants.
Second, the commission may vote on whether to approve seasonal electric rates. If it approves lower rates in the winter it could save ratepayers a combined $200,000.
Cultural Council accepting grant applications
The Marblehead Cultural Council is accepting grant applications through Oct. 15 for the 2027 calendar year.
Each year, MCC awards individuals and organizations grants which support the arts, humanities and interpretive science programs and activities. In the past, the MCC has funded a wide range of programs, from live performances and art installations, to exhibits and field trips. All applicants must demonstrate how their projects contribute to the quality of life of those who live and work in Marblehead.
“Our 10-member council is excited about the upcoming application cycle,” said MCC Chair Jeanie Stahl. “We look forward to reviewing and funding projects that are creative, meaningful and inspirational.”
To learn more about the MCC and the online submission process visit massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process. There will be a webinar to walk potential applicants through the application process on Sept. 10, 6 p.m. You can register at the same link as above.
The Marblehead Cultural Council can also be reached at: marbleheadculturalcouncil@gmail.com.
400th anniversary planning begins
Town Historian Don Doliber urged the Select Board at its Aug. 26 meeting to begin planning for Marblehead’s 400th anniversary coming up in 2029, drawing on his experience organizing previous town celebrations.
Doliber recalled helping organize the 1979 celebration and co-chairing the town’s 350th incorporation anniversary celebration in 1999. That effort required about a year and a half of planning and ultimately involved roughly 100 volunteers working on 33 events.
“More importantly, that 400th anniversary is something that should be started now,” Doliber told the board.
He also said $1,649 was set aside after the previous celebration as seed money for the 400th anniversary.
The board unanimously voted to establish a seven-member 400th anniversary committee, including a chair and co-chair. Officials discussed seeking applications over the next several weeks, with interviews potentially beginning in October.
Boat storage notice
The winter boat storage season will begin Sept. 15 at Parker’s and Cliff Street boatyards. Boats stored at either boatyard last season will receive preference to store their boats this season. New applicants began being accepted on Aug. 15 on a first-come, first-served basis, with Marblehead residents receiving preference.
Marblehead Trading Company will be collecting the storage fee for the town. That fee is based on a rate of $6 per square foot as determined by multiplying the overall length of the boat by its beam width. This fee is for storage only.
If you have any questions, call Rachael at 781-631-4650 or send email to trucking@marbleheadtrading.com.
