Marlborough selectmen identify senior center staffing as a priority during draft budget review

The Marlborough Board of Selectmen reviewed a draft municipal budget and flagged additional staffing for the senior center as a priority at a special meeting on March 11, 2026, at Town Hall. Chairperson Susan McFarland called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and Town Manager David Porter led the budget review.

Selectmen heard public comments urging investment in senior services. Elaine Adams and Robert Wall said visits to three other senior centers supported extra staff for Marlborough’s center, and Peggy Dalton later urged the board to fund a $1,500 Commission on Aging survey. Mike Chemerynski spoke in continued support of AHM Youth Services; Chairperson McFarland directed residents to ClearGov for detailed budget information and said the meeting recording includes instructions on using that software.

Porter reviewed proposed capital and operating items and pointed to several areas for possible reduction, deferral or change. Capital items discussed included a Town Hall roof replacement estimated in the “$40,000s,” exterior painting at the Food Bank ($20,000), and a proposed single-axle drive truck (approximately $225,000). The board discussed using speed-camera funds for equipment like the truck and whether to complete the Public Works roof in sections while exploring potential solar partnerships.

Personnel proposals drew sustained attention. The draft budget includes two new senior-center positions — a Senior Center Assistant and a Senior Center Director — which the board identified as priorities. The Town Manager also proposed a Town Hall Assistant position with duties that would include sexton responsibilities and support for the Town Planner and Fire Marshal. The board discussed whether a Public Works maintainer/cleaner position might replace an existing cleaning contract and whether that position could be deferred.

Board members flagged a range of other line items for review. The agenda noted three employees eligible for retirement, prompting discussion of compensated-absences projections, and suggested that educational dues and expenses could be reconsidered. Planning and Building costs were described as sharply higher; members discussed lowering a Building Official line from $85,000 to $75,000 and noted that the Building Official is shared with the neighboring town of Bolton. Vehicle maintenance projections were discussed in the context of replacing older trucks, and a tree-removal program was considered for adjustment to $90,000 after the Town Manager said recent spending was lower because of contractor scheduling and that the program is preventive.

A 55% increase in the Fire Marshal’s line to cover required work and possible compensation for a deputy was discussed; the board considered reducing the proposed $28,000 figure to $20,000 but deferred further action pending additional input. Board members also identified professional engineering as necessary to support grant applications.

The Board noted questions about the library budget. The proposed library increase was listed at 3.5% (not 3%), and the Librarian, participating via Zoom, said she could provide a detailed breakdown. The board discussed ADA-related website requirements and heard that the library employs 14 people, including a bookkeeper.

No final budget votes were taken. The meeting concluded with a procedural motion to adjourn; Chairperson McFarland moved to adjourn, the motion was seconded by Selectman Louise Concodello, and the motion carried unanimously, 4-0-0, at 5:23 p.m.

Next steps: the Town Manager will provide additional detail where requested and the Board will continue budget deliberations at a future meeting.