The Marlborough finance committee unanimously approved acceptance of two FY25 state budget earmarks on May 14: $35,000 to help build a pavilion at Galoney Park and $50,000 for a city vehicle, by voice votes of 5–0.

Commissioner Ted Scott of the Department of Public Works presented the requests and supporting letters that accompanied the mayor’s communication. A letter from Representative Daniel W. Gregoire clarified that the $50,000 earmark for a vehicle would not be limited to a single department. Building Commissioner Tinh Tway and DPW staff explained that the city’s fleet department identified a 2025 Ford Explorer priced at about $44,735 as available through procurement channels and that state-bid procurement rules constrain the options and timing.

Why it matters: The pavilion funding adds covered space at a neighborhood park where councilors said residents and summer programs need shelter during storms. The vehicle funding addresses fleet replacement needs for inspectional services and building staff; committee members emphasized the need to take delivery before the earmark deadline in June.

Pavilion details: The $35,000 earmark will fund materials for the pavilion’s superstructure. Commissioner Scott said the facilities crew will build the structure and the city will contract a vendor to place and finish concrete; staff had previously rejected a $300,000 vendor estimate and restructured the work to use city crews for portions of the build. Councilor Bridal recounted a recent volunteer cleanup and said youths at Galoney Park lacked shelter during a sudden storm, arguing the pavilion fills a clear local need. Committee members said the preferred location is near the recreation building and volleyball court, and staff said the final siting may shift within that area. The motion to accept the pavilion earmark carried 5–0.

Vehicle details and procurement timing: For the $50,000 earmark, the committee discussed whether the vehicle would be a departmental outreach/mobile-town-hall vehicle or a day-to-day fleet vehicle. Commissioner Scott said the mayor’s office intends the vehicle to be available citywide but expected it to be used most by the building department for inspections and site visits. The procurement window is short: earmarked funds must be expended by the end of June and staff said the available Ford Explorer is not a hybrid; committee members urged staff to pursue electric vehicles where feasible in future purchases but approved buying what is available now to meet the deadline. The committee approved the $50,000 earmark “not to be limited to a single department” and granted the suspension requested to speed the purchase; the motion carried 5–0.

Next steps: Staff will coordinate procurement under applicable state-bid rules and seek the suspension of rules where required to meet the earmark deadline. The pavilion project will proceed with facilities building the superstructure and a vendor contracted for concrete work.