North Brookfield selectmen approve warrants, fund emergency police and fire repairs

NORTH BROOKFIELD — The Town of North Brookfield Board of Selectmen on Jan. 27 approved a series of warrants and reserve-fund transfers to cover payroll and urgent public-safety repairs.

The board approved payroll warrant No. 15 for $355,893.19, school warrant No. 1062 for $86,786.59, construction warrant No. 1064 for $434,342.09 and general-fund warrant No. 1065 for $180,922.17 after a motion presented by Speaker 1 and seconded by another member. The motions passed by voice votes.

Speaker 1 described a $6,735 reserve-fund transfer to police equipment and repair to replace a failed air-handler unit that is “no longer made.” Speaker 1 said a temporary fix is in place but “there is no temperature control and no fresh air exchange for the police station, which can cause a carbon monoxide issue.” The finance committee had unanimously approved the transfer; the board voted to authorize it.

The board also approved $4,594.41 to vehicle repairs and maintenance for Rescue 1 after emergency repairs to its pump, including five valves replaced and three rebuilt following a battery short that released hazardous gases and created a fire hazard. Speaker 1 said the finance committee had unanimously approved the request and the board voted to transfer funds.

Smaller operational spending was approved as well, including a $435 purchase from Harrick and Sons for a bearing on a highway sander and a $3,500 transfer to the police facility expense line to cover preventive maintenance performed in July as a budget relief measure for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. Speaker 3 asked for clarification that the $3,500 covered maintenance from July 2025 through June 2026; Speaker 1 confirmed that paying the bill would free money for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The motions were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned after remaining business was completed.