Municipal Matters

NEWS IN BRIEF: Crocker dock pulled, tax bills contain error
12 Jul

NEWS IN BRIEF: Crocker dock pulled, tax bills contain error

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief
The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Damage leads to Crocker Park dock removal A flotation log broke free from the Crocker Park dock late July 7, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. COURTESY PHOTO / MARK SOUZA One of Marblehead's most popular swimming spots, the dock at Crocker Park, has been removed after suffering damage during a heavy rainstorm. A flotation log beneath the dock broke late July 7, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. "We are in…
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Town starts week with two big holes to fill; top budget officials leaving
11 Jul

Town starts week with two big holes to fill; top budget officials leaving

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Municipal Matters, Top Stories
The announcement Friday that Marblehead Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin is leaving means the town's top two budget officials will depart within four months of each other — not long after June’s vote to approve a $17.3 million tax override package to fund school and municipal operations. Benjamin, who came to Marblehead in 2023, will leave in August after accepting a position as chief financial officer for the town of Nantucket. Her departure comes just weeks after Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer announced he will retire at…
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BREAKING NEWS: Marblehead’s finance director leaving
10 Jul

BREAKING NEWS: Marblehead’s finance director leaving

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Top Stories
Marblehead Chief Financial Officer Aleesha Benjamin is leaving in August after accepting the position of CFO for the town of Nantucket. "Since joining Marblehead, Benjamin has played a pivotal role in modernizing the town's financial operations and strengthening its long-term financial planning," according to a statement from Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer Friday afternoon. "Her leadership has helped position the town with stronger financial management tools, greater transparency and improved organizational effectiveness while helping the town successfully navigate a period of significant fiscal challenges." Kezer announced…
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Housing density, open space debated for Coffin School reuse
08 Jul

Housing density, open space debated for Coffin School reuse

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Top Stories
After nearly a year of studying redevelopment possibilities for the former Coffin School property, the Select Board on Wednesday began shaping the request for proposals that will determine the site's future. The board did not issue an RFP Wednesday but instead directed Brendan Callahan, who leads the town’s Community Development and Planning Department, to prepare a draft for review at its first meeting in August after members debated how much guidance developers should receive on housing, open space and other community priorities. The former Coffin…
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NEWS IN BRIEF: Rate hike, post office honor and more
06 Jul

NEWS IN BRIEF: Rate hike, post office honor and more

Leigh BlanderCommunity Service, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief
Water-and-sewer rates increaseMost Marblehead residents will see about a 5% increase in their water-and-sewer bills this fiscal year after the town's Water & Sewer Commission approved new rates that took effect July 1.Water & Sewer Supervisor Amy McHugh said the increase was necessary to cover rising employee health insurance costs, assessments from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the town of Marblehead, as well as capital investments in the town's sewer infrastructure. Post office honorMarblehead Post Office is one of seven across the state offering…
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Town to residents: Don’t bring your new barrels to the Assessor’s Office
23 Jun

Town to residents: Don’t bring your new barrels to the Assessor’s Office

Leigh BlanderHealth, Municipal Matters, Top Stories
The town of Marblehead has put out a notice telling residents not to bring their new trash and recycling bins to the Assessor's Office. "No abatements, credits or refunds will be issued for returned bins. Questions about trash bins or collection services should be directed to the Board of Health at Health2@MarbleheadMA.gov or 781-631-0212," the notice reads. Property owners who opt out of the town's collection program will still have to pay increased property taxes due to a $2.3 million trash override passed on June…
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