Tensions were high on Monday as the Selectmen from both Marion and Rochester discussed a change to the towns’ Regional Health District.

The agreement, which has existed between the two towns for the past 30 years, allows Marion and Rochester to maintain two separate Boards of Health but share one health agent, Karen Walega.

Under the current agreement, the two towns share the budget of the Health District, but pay separately for liability insurance. This has had a negative impact on the towns’ budget, said Rochester Town Administrator Richard LaCamera.

LaCamera suggested changing the existing health district into an inter-municipal agreement between Marion and Rochester. This would allow the towns to save an estimated $10,000 on liability insurance, LaCamera said.

Dale Barrows, Chair of the district’s board, disagreed.

“I’m trying to keep something that’s been working for the towns for the past 30 years,” Barrows said.

The officials agreed to continue the discussion at a later date.