The Marion Board of Selectmen approved up to $10,000 in funding to hire an expert to assess structural issues at the Music Hall on Tuesday, September 20.

The Music Hall's interior basement walls are "falling apart," said Selectman John Henry. So far, the reason for the deterioration could not be found and the Music Hall Advisory Committee hopes to have an architect assess the damage and draft a plan to remedy it.

A volunteer expert assessed some of the damage and made some preliminary recommendations, however, these were only temporary in nature and a more thorough study is needed.

The $10,000 is a "not-to-exceed figure" meaning that an expert will be hired for a price up to and including $10,000 but no more. The money will be drawn from the Music Hall's endowment fund.

In other business:

The Selectmen appointed Jerry "Rico" Ferrari to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee. Ferrari was described by Selectman Roger Blanchette as "astute" and his appointment was endorsed by all three members of the board.

The board approved Marion's participation in a state-wide public safety mutual aid law. This means that Marion's emergency responders, in serious emergencies, can be asked by other municipalities throughout the state to provide assistance. Marion already has mutual aid agreements with numerous towns such as Wareham, Rochester and Mattapoisett.

The Selectmen approved a victualler, or food service, license for Jill Houck of Flour Girls Baking Company. The company is based in Mattapoisett but plans to operate a food truck throughout Marion.

The Selectmen also reviewed two letters commending Marion Harbormaster Michael Cormier for providing assistance to boats in distress. The owners of two boats assisted by Cormier's team wrote thank you letters to the town commending Cormier for his professionalism and prompt response.

Finally, the board voted to close Holmes Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on November 13 for the Boy Scout's Soapbox Derby.