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Senior center seeks budget amendment to extend Chromebook lending and internet access
Summary
Staff described a technology grant that would fund Chromebooks and two years of internet access for loaned devices. The board was told staff will request a budget amendment and shift some trainer and intern costs to revolving funds to buy more hardware.
Staff told the Gardner Senior Center board that a state-funded technology grant is enabling a device-lending program for seniors and that staff plan to seek a budget amendment to pay subscriptions and add machines.
Mike, a staff member, said the program was designed to buy equipment and cover online access so seniors borrowing Chromebooks will have free internet. Staff reported a subscription cost of $19,200 based on supporting 20 Chromebooks at roughly $40 per device per month and said they plan to add another 10 devices, bringing the lending pool to about 30 Chromebooks split between Gardner and Elkton locations.
To balance the grant timeline and allowable expenses, staff said they will remove longer-term personnel items (interns and tech trainers) totaling about $14,000 from the grant budget and roll that into the revolving fund to purchase additional hardware. Staff noted $4,000 remains in the Chromebook budget line and about $1,700 in a separate line that could be reallocated to hardware. The center reported roughly $49,000 in cash available tied to the project and expected outlays within about 45 days.
Staff said grant rules require expenses to be incurred by March 31 (the grant term noted during discussion), which is driving the timing of the requested amendment and transfers. The board did not vote on the amendment at the meeting; staff will submit formal amendment requests to city executive affairs for approval.
Ending: Staff asked board members to expect a formal budget amendment narrative by Friday and to review the proposed reallocation before the city-level approval process.
