In response to controversy over her part-time position as grant writer, Pamela Marean offered Selectmen an alternative on Tuesday night.

“I’ve never before had any one question the value of my grant writing services,” said Marean. “It occurred to me that it might work out well for the town of Marion to work on a project basis.”

Selectmen were keen on the idea that would have Marean billed per hours worked.

Marean began working for the town on a 20-hour a week basis two years ago. During the budget process leading up to Town Meeting this winter, the Finance Committee questioned the grant writer’s $30,000 a year position.

To create a “win-win” situation, Marean said town departments could contact her for projects to work on, rather than the previous arrangement wherein she researched possible grant options.

“I would write up per hour bills according to just the work that I do,” explained Marean. “The disadvantage of that is that I don’t know that people will take the initiative to research grants and reach out to me, but the advantages are that you’re only spending money on exactly what you use.”

Among her current projects, Marean said she is researching grants on sewer lagoons, funds for street repairs, a grant for the harbormaster, and money for a senior center for the Council on Aging.

Marean said the Selectmen could decide which of her current projects to continue. Selectmen agreed on the new arrangement.

“Thank you for courage to propose the change at your own initiative,” said Seletmen Chair John Henry.