Seamus Hourihan - Marblehead Current

02 Nov

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: Quarterly MOU budget report — a good start

Seamus HourihanColumns, Opinion, Viewpoints

The first quarterly override memorandum of agreement report was presented on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Select Board (SB) meeting. This was a very important milestone in terms of the many commitments made by the SB, School Committee (SC) and FinCom in selling the three-year, $15M override. This specific commitment stated: “Beginning in FY27, the Town Administrator and Superintendent will report at least quarterly to the Chairs of the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee regarding the Town’s fiscal position, including projected revenues and…

01 Jul

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: The birthday, a new fiscal year and some questions

Seamus HourihanColumns, Opinion

July 4, 2026 — time to celebrate the 250th birthday of our country. July 1 starts a new fiscal year for the town of Marblehead. I have seven questions and, in some cases, answers. Birthday dress up or down? The question is (TQI): Did the Select Board (SB) give any thought to ensure our historic town of Marblehead would look absolutely beautiful for the 250th birthday of our country? Not only for tourists from around the world but for our own self pride? Seamus Hourihan…

01 Jun

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: The overrides and 3A

Seamus HourihanColumns, Opinion

On June 9, voters will get to decide the outcome of four override proposals. Here are some musings and perspectives. And 3A ain’t done and gone. Let’s talk trash The least discussed and consequently the least understood issue facing voters (and even some Town officials) are the options for funding curbside trash and recyclable pick-up. The two options are a “user fee” or a “trash override.” The service provided is the same, but there is a major cost difference. The annual user fee will be…

25 Mar

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS: Budget potholes — d’ah y’ah think?

Seamus HourihanColumns, Municipal Matters, Opinion

It’s pothole season. On March 11, Amy McHugh, director of public works, informed the Select Board that there are more than 120 potholes in Marblehead on her list that need fixin’. D’ah y’ah think there is a relationship between pothole season and Marblehead budget season? I don’t know if there are more budget holes than potholes, but the budget holes are both deeper and wider monetarily. Back breakers. Here are my latest Marblehead Municipal Musings covering the latest budget discussions — balanced operating budget, operating…