Question 3: Prudent.
Not Extravagant.
Question 3, the $15 million override, funds everything in Questions 1 and 2, plus:
specific, responsible repairs the town has been deferring,
restoration of important staff and programs cut in recent years, and
even opening up new potential revenue streams.
It’s not extravagant. It’s the responsible path forward.
3 small steps = one huge impact. Vote YES on questions 1 & 2 & 3.
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A dedicated annual funding line to start tackling overdue capital projects.
“By investing in capital improvements and programming now, we are taking a responsible approach that will help avoid larger costs down the road. Maintaining our infrastructure, supporting our departments, and planning ahead are critical to preserving the quality of services and community character that Marbleheaders value.”
Our town department heads and administration have identified $8 to $11 million in current capital needs, such as building repairs, park maintenance, vehicles & equipment, etc. Previously, we covered these recurring capital costs out of free cash — the town's reserves.
Those reserves are no longer sufficient.
Question 3 allocates $1.5 million a year toward that list, taking a small annual bite out of a big apple.
Questions 1 and 2 don't touch the capital backlog.
Priority projects include:
Jacobi Center sunroom and library renovation
Old Townhouse elevator
Chandler Hovey Park pavilion
Castle Rock Park rehabilitation
School buses that aren’t on their last legs
DPW trucks and snow equipment
Fixing a roof on-time costs a fraction of replacing one after it leaks. The longer we wait, the more it costs.
Recurring capital funding also allows the town to plan ahead for vehicle replacements, equipment, and building repairs instead of paying emergency-repair premiums when things fail.
If Question 3 passes, we’d vote each year at Town Meeting to allocate the $1.5M toward specific needs. Question 3 creates a dedicated annual funding line so that, eventually, the town can plan ahead instead of scrambling to react when things fail.
“This override is essential to maintaining the core services our community depends on — schools, public safety, and public health. Without it, we risk losing critical programs that support families, seniors, and vulnerable residents. ”
Restoring necessary positions that have been cut over time. And generating new revenue in the process.
DPW Foreman and Heavy Equipment Operator — Cut in 2023. Coordinates storm, flood, and water main response; keeps work in-house instead of paying outside contractors at a markup.
Mental health funding for the Marblehead Counseling Center
Restored
Curriculum and professional development funding for the schools
Restored
Special Education program for students ages 18–22 — Cut during Covid. Provides legally mandated services while keeping Marblehead students in Marblehead, reducing out-of-district placement costs, and creating the potential to bring in tuition revenue from neighboring districts.
→ POTENTIAL REVENUE GENERATOR
Grant writer — A position geared toward hunting state, federal, and private funding the town isn't currently getting, easing pressure on property taxes.
→ POTENTIAL REVENUE GENERATOR
“Question 3 restores an in-district special education program for 18–22 year old students: keeping Marblehead students in Marblehead, and creating the potential to generate tuition revenue.”
Public safety, staffed properly.
Our Police Department currently has 31 officers — down from 32 before FY25 — and is already the leanest department on the North Shore. Question 3 brings it to 33.
Our Fire Department would gain two firefighters, restoring staffing levels and helping ease the forced overtime and burnout that come with running too thin.
Adding staff helps in a few ways:
→ First, it improves emergency response. More firefighter-EMTs on duty means first responders can get to heart attacks, falls, overdoses, and other emergencies more quickly.
→ Second, it can actually help control costs over time. Right now, the town spends a lot of money paying existing staff overtime just to keep shifts covered. Hiring more full-time people means fewer exhausted employees working double shifts and fewer expensive overtime hours.
→ And longer term, stronger EMS staffing could allow Marblehead to explore running more of its own ambulance transport services instead of relying as heavily on outside providers, creating potential revenue for the town while improving service for residents.
“Question 3 would bring the total to 33 officers, allowing us to strengthen patrol coverage and place greater focus on traffic safety, community engagement, and quality of life issues.”
3 small steps = one huge impact
Vote YES on questions 1 & 2 & 3
It’s time to come together for Marblehead to ensure it remains a place we’re proud to call home.
Our town needs your vote on Tuesday, June 9 to meet this once-in-a-generation moment.
Election Day is TUESDAY, JUNE 9
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Election Day is TUESDAY, JUNE 9 *
In stick figure terms…
IF ALL OVERRIDES FAIL
Drastic cuts will be made to town services and employees, schools, public safety, services for our seniors, the library, and more... and our problem will deepen over time.
We’re in a hole.
IF QUESTION 1 WINS
The cuts will be less drastic than if the override fails, but this scenario will be a reduction from where we are now.
We will still be in the hole.
IF QUESTION 2 WINS
The deep cuts will be avoided and things will feel much like they do now... with some helpful adds (like tuition-free, full day Kindergarten). But the structural deficit that created the hole won’t be addressed, so…
We’re still in the hole.
IF QUESTION 3 WINS
We’re out and onto solid ground! Q3 will address this year’s budget gap, unlock new revenue streams, and set up an annual fund for capital needs and maintenance, so we can fix small problems before they become large, expensive ones. Town Meeting will decide how those funds are spent.
This is the best, most responsible path forward.