Select Board approves three-year memorandum with Westborough TV, adds annual funding notice

The Westborough Select Board voted unanimously to authorize the town manager to execute a three-year memorandum of understanding with Westborough TV that formalizes the station's relationship with the town and establishes an annual funding notice.

Town Manager Christy presented the draft agreement and told the board the version circulated over the weekend is the latest and likely final draft. She said the agreement includes a new sentence allowing Westborough TV to "by November 15 of each year, provide the town with their future funding amount needs" so the board can discuss and, if appropriate, approve a funding amount before the town budget is finalized in December.

Steve, speaking on behalf of the Westborough TV board, said the organization was "extremely pleased to now actually have what is actually a 3 year agreement with the town," and added that the station would continue to seek other funding sources. Select Board members including Shelby Marshall and others expressed support for the agreement, emphasizing transparency and the station's role in town communications.

A motion to authorize the town manager to execute the agreement was moved and seconded; the board then approved the measure by roll call (all voting members recorded "yes").

The agreement sets an annual process for the station to request funding and for the board to consider those needs in advance of the budget cycle. Board members thanked Westborough TV for its service and said they look forward to continued collaboration.

The board moved on to other business after the vote.