To better serve veterans and save money, tri-town Selectmen will appoint Mattapoisett-Rochester Veterans Agent Barry Denham as Marion’s agent, too.

“Sharing a veterans agent allows for more regionalization, which will keep costs down while still accomplishing our goals,” Rochester Selectman Chair Brad Morse said.

Morse noted at his board’s Monday night meeting that on Dec. 15 the board will “absolutely move forward” with allowing Marion veterans access to Denham’s services.

Currently, Denham’s office is in Mattapoisett Town Hall where he also serves Rochester veterans.

Last month, Marion Town Administrator Paul Dawson discussed the move with Denham and his assistant, Paula Butterfield, following the retirement of Marion's Veterans Agent Bill Titcomb.

Morse said that with more veterans anticipated to return in the coming years, and the addition of Marion, officials might consider budgeting more hours for Denham and Butterfield.

“We will be stressing outreach because there are a lot more younger veterans coming home,” Morse said.

Even though more hours might be needed, all three towns should save money.

“It’s cost neutral,” Rochester Town Administrator Mike McCue said. “We will not pick up additional costs.”

Morse agreed.

“We’re just joining forces,” he said.

A Veterans Council composed of one Board of Selectmen member from each town, and an undetermined number of at-large members, will oversee Denham.