MBTA zoning repeal among record number of 2026 ballot questions
Measures that qualify will join a firearms referendum already certified, creating an extensive statewide slate for consideration.
News
Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board advances fiscal 2027 budget, plans mooring fee increase
Capital work centers on maintaining aging piers, docks and electrical systems, with estimates based on early contractor conversations and pending bid responses.
Marblehead tops $42,500 goal to honor veterans with wreaths on Dec. 13
The milestone reflects weeks of community events, including a fundraiser at the local veterans post that drew a full house and steady contributions.
Shelter urges holiday adoptions for four cats
The Marblehead Animal Shelter is seeking homes for four adult cats featured in its holiday adoption campaign: Snow White, Nick, Flower and Stella Blue. The shelter said the cats are available during its regular adoption hours at 44 Village St. The facility is open Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Friday 5-7
Median tax bill to rise $84 in FY2026 despite rate falling 46 cents
Select Board kept a single $8.59 per $1,000 property levy for homes and businesses, as assessments based on 2024 sales push the typical single-family tab above $11,000.
Moulton reviews Burlington ICE facility, cites ongoing concerns
The visit included discussions with staff about intake practices, food service, legal access and communication procedures.
Subcommittee weighs FY27 budget amid enrollment decline, service expectations
Spreadsheets, testimony and staffing data revealed how officials are mapping educational priorities against limited revenue as planning for the coming fiscal cycle begins.
Public Works Committee reviews Reynolds Field project, energy plan and committee’s future
Members are weighing structural changes to the interdepartmental group, including revised membership and a shift to quarterly meetings ahead of a Town Meeting article in January.
Police chief responds to criticism over social host law enforcement
Get our free local reporting delivered straight to your inbox. No noise, no spam — just clear, independent coverage of Marblehead. Sign up for our once-a-week newsletter. Marblehead police chief Dennis King released a statement Monday defending his department’s enforcement of social host laws, responding to concerns raised by Board
CBS films Revolutionary War segments in Marblehead
Segments will connect the community’s stories with a statewide effort to recognize events leading into the nation’s founding.
OBSERVER CORPS: Board of Health — Nov. 24, 2025
LWVM observer: Tom Krueger Members in attendance: Public Health Director Andrew Petty, Tom McMahon, Dr. Tom Massaro, Dr. Amanda Ritvo ⸻ CAHM health and wellness survey Massaro gave an update on the survey. The postcards announcing the survey were mailed on Oct. 1, 2025. The first week brought 1,342 replies
Power restored on Marblehead Neck after gas leak
Get our free local reporting delivered straight to your inbox. No noise, no spam — just clear, independent coverage of Marblehead. Sign up for our once-a-week newsletter. Power was restored around 12 p.m. Tuesday on Marblehead Neck after the Fire Department asked the Marblehead Municipal Light Department to secure electricity
5MW battery storage plan promising $500K in annual savings presented to light board
Commissioners reviewed a revenue-sharing model that would let the storage unit lower peak costs while giving the utility emergency control during grid shortages.
Marblehead Board of Health tackles youth drinking enforcement, health misinformation
Officials reviewed research on childhood immunization, shared updates on seasonal illness trends and outlined next steps for gathering townwide health data.
Marblehead library crafts stars to showcase shelter cats
The Abbot Public Library is launching a December craft project that invites children to decorate paper stars with photos of cats from the Marblehead Animal Shelter in an effort to help the animals find new homes. The program, promoted through a flyer provided to the library’s patrons, encourages kids
OBSERVER CORPS REPORT: Task Force Against Discrimination — Nov. 20, 2025
LWVM observer: Shari Pressman Members in attendance: Helaine Hazlett, Diane Gora, Chief Dennis King, Deacon Joe Whipple, Chris Buell, Reece Dahlberg, Jean Guastaferri, Louis Meyi, Jay Morrison Update on Marblehead Police Department news: King had no new incidents to report. The Marblehead Police Department earned state accreditation requiring 257 strict