Wentworth council approves $7,200 school refrigeration purchase, new computers and IT service; adopts budget amendment

The Wentworth Town Council approved several purchases and a budget amendment at its Jan. 6 meeting.

School refrigeration and freezer: Council reviewed options and approved purchase of an Avaco reach-in refrigerator and a matching freezer for the Wentworth Consolidated School. The combined price for both units was stated in council discussion as $7,200; staff said installation will wait until floors and final cleanup at the school are complete.

Computers and IT service: Staff presented a quote for new computers (a package that included office desktops and a refurbished mayoral laptop) that was recorded in the packet as $3,698.34, including sales tax. Council approved the computer purchase by motion. The council separately approved an agreement with Noctum Solutions (listed in discussion as $313–$313.60 per month) to provide managed IT services, email protection and a government cloud licensing option.

Budget amendment: Staff described Budget Amendment No. 3 for FY2025–26, which transfers $12,500 from general fund operating to capital outlay (furniture and equipment) to cover the new computers and the school refrigerator/freezer, and moves $2,000 to computer software support for the monthly IT service. The amendment leaves the town’s total budget unchanged; council approved the amendment.

Why it matters: The purchases renew aging office technology and equip the renovated school for catering and rentals; the budget amendment reassigns existing budget dollars rather than adding net spending.

Next steps: Staff will order equipment as site conditions permit and implement the IT service contract and budget transfers.