MARSHFIELD – One-hundred-fourteen voters checked in during the course of the Marshfield Town meeting, with $900 raised in donations for the Onion River Food Shelf, Sunday March 1, the town of Marshfield Sunday, March 1, for their town meeting proceedings.
All of the town’s annual business is conducted with floor votes, and aside from the school budget, there was smooth sailing as all articles passed, according to draft minutes,
Senator Andy Perchlik and Representative Marc Mihaly addressed voters to begin, discussing legislative issues.
The following individuals were elected to town officer positions: Michael Caccavo, elected moderator for a term of one year; Bobbi Brimblecombe, town clerk as well as town treasurer, and collector of delinquent taxes, all for one year terms; Luke Lampugnale, elected select-person for a term of three years; Marie Marclay, elected auditor for a term of three years; Kathleen Hayes, lister for a term of three years; lister (no nominations), two year term left vacant to be appointed by the select board; Shawn Codling, constable for a term of one year; Betsy Brigham, budget committee member for a term of five years; Amy Monahan, budget committee member for a term of four years; Beth Stern, budget committee member for a term of two years and Michelle McCormick, library trustee for a term of three years.
Lampugnale was elected after several minutes with no nominations, after Justin Campbell announced he was not seeking re-election to his three year seat. Campbell received a standing ovation from those in attendance, recognizing his work in the post-flood recovery efforts and more.
The following individuals were elected as school directors to serve on the Union District Board: Reta Bezak, school director for a term of three years; Asa Baer, school director for a term of two years.
Bezak will take over for Patrick Healy, former school board director, who also received a standing ovation at the meeting for his eighteen years of service.
The town budget passed on a floor vote. The budget of $8,590,531 is expected to see $1,062,584 raised by taxes. $6,930,393 would be raised by non-tax revenue and $597,555 would be carried over from the prior year’s surplus.
Brimblecombe explained that the budget includes eight bridge and culvert projects that are the result of the 2023 and 2024 floods. Much of the non-tax revenue is anticipated FEMA reimbursements.
In response to a 2025 Supreme Court ruling, which shifts agricultural oversight from the state to municipalities, the town passed a non-binding resolution to petition the State of Vermont, after some discussion. This is an effort to restore municipal zoning exemptions and codify a “strong Right to Grow Food”, including livestock and the right to sell. The goal is to protect farmers from uncertainty, relieve towns of unintended regulatory burdens and ensure fairness across the state.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
