Town approves $200K for police camera upgrades and cruiser replacements in FY 2025

Northborough Town Meeting Approves Key Funding for Police and Fire Departments

During the Annual Town Meeting on May 1, 2025, Northborough residents voted to approve significant funding for the police and fire departments, ensuring enhanced public safety and operational efficiency.

The meeting commenced with the approval of Article 15, which allocated $65,000 for the purchase of body-worn cameras and cloud storage for the police department. This initiative aims to improve transparency and accountability within law enforcement. The funding will be sourced from the town's free cash and is set to be available for expenditure in the fiscal year 2025. The motion passed with a simple majority, reflecting community support for modernizing police equipment.

Following this, Article 16 proposed a budget of $135,000 for the purchase of two new police vehicles. Chief of Police highlighted the importance of maintaining a regular replacement schedule for the department's fleet, which is crucial for responding to emergencies effectively. The chief noted that while the request was for two vehicles this year, adjustments were made to accommodate the town's financial situation. The appropriations and financial planning committees both unanimously recommended approval, leading to the article passing by majority vote.

In a further commitment to public safety, Article 17 sought $550,000 for a new ambulance for the fire department. Chief Berentian explained that this funding is essential due to recent challenges with aging equipment, including two ambulances that suffered engine failures. The chief emphasized the urgency of securing this funding to lock in prices and ensure timely delivery of the new vehicle. Both the appropriations and financial planning committees supported this request, which also passed unanimously.

These decisions reflect Northborough's commitment to investing in essential services while being mindful of the community's financial constraints. As the town moves forward, these enhancements to the police and fire departments are expected to bolster public safety and improve response capabilities in the years to come.