Westborough AFC approves reserve transfers for senior-center salary and Memorial Hall projector

The Town of Westborough Advisory Finance Committee voted Jan. 6 to approve two reserve-fund transfers to cover staffing and equipment needs.

Christy, a town staff member who presented both requests, told the committee the council on aging’s longtime executive director recently retired and the position was reclassified from an S-6 executive-director role to an S-7 senior and social services coordinator. Christy said the reclassification reflects added responsibilities — including coordinating with the regional Central Mass Veterans District (Grafton, Shrewsbury and Northborough), oversight of a youth outreach staffer, and serving as a direct contact for Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services — and carries a higher salary range. "We're asking for $5,042 to bring that person on beginning in February," Christy said, adding final pay will depend on candidate qualifications and that the request also covers standard retirement payouts due to the departing employee.

Committee member Clap moved "that we transfer from AFC reserve funds $5,042 for the purpose of covering the excess salaries for the new senior and social services director." Bridal seconded. The chair conducted a roll-call; members recorded as voting yes included Bridal, Brent, Chimala, Clap, McMahon and Shepherd. The motion carried.

Christy also described a failing projection system in Memorial Hall and said IT director Mark Sockman recommended replacing a specific part. Aidan, representing Westboro TV, attended to answer technical questions. Christy said the reserve transfer form requested an even $10,000 and the vendor quote provided was $9,962.36. Committee members asked whether the expense would normally be covered by the IT operating budget or, if the entire system were replaced, by a capital article; Christy said a full-system replacement would likely be capital but this single-part replacement fits the IT budget.

Clap moved "that we transfer from AFC reserves a total of $10,000 to cover the replacement of the overhead projector in the town hall meeting room." Bridal seconded. The chair called the roll; members recorded as voting yes included Lumbergh, Bradley, Brent, Chimala, Clap, Leslie, McMahon and Shepherd. The motion carried.

Committee members confirmed logistics for paperwork and signatures; the chair asked that the approved forms be routed for Walt’s signature. Christy said she would leave materials with Westboro TV or in the committee mailbox and would follow up as needed. The committee thanked Westboro TV for streaming and recording the meeting.

The transfers are drawn from AFC reserves and, as approved, will allow the town to begin filling the reclassified senior-and-social-services coordinator position and to repair the Memorial Hall projection system ahead of scheduled meetings.