Needham retirement board approves lower-cost AlphaSecure cyber policy through Leiden & Murphy

The Town of Needham Retirement Board voted to proceed with a cybersecurity insurance policy brokered by Leiden & Murphy, selecting an AlphaSecure option tied to a quoted annual premium of $3,624.

Board Chair Michelle Ballen said the AlphaSecure option represented the lowest-cost choice presented and that Leiden & Murphy were placing Needham in a consortium to obtain better rates. She stressed the board would move forward with the policy package that is currently attached to the $3,624 figure while staff obtain current pricing.

The motion to select the AlphaSecure option was moved by John Kawicki and seconded (the transcript records the seconder as “Mister Steeves”). During discussion, board members asked staff how confident they were that the January quote — covering the period noted as 09/30/25 to 09/30/26 in the materials — would remain valid. "And how confident are we that the price won't be significantly higher?" a board member asked during the discussion.

The chair said the quoted coverage period still fell within the year referenced in the materials but acknowledged the quote would need confirmation because it expires at the end of September. The board voted by roll call; each present member voted in favor.

As a next step, the chair asked that Missus (Tatiana) Swanson contact Leiden & Murphy to confirm the rate and handle continuity during the retirement administrator transition. The board noted any updated premium will be considered and that the chosen AlphaSecure carrier option in the materials will be the starting point for the final procurement.

The board’s action was limited to approving the policy selection and authorizing staff follow-up; the vote did not bind the board to a finalized premium until staff return with updated pricing and any necessary administrative adjustments.