Townshend Select Board votes to continue IT contract with Europa for now

The Townshend Select Board voted to continue its contract with IT provider Europa and to tentatively cover the cost in the next fiscal year if needed.

A board member moved that the town “continue our contract with Europa and deficit spend if we have to,” and the motion was seconded and approved with an oral aye vote. The vote followed an extended review of options for town IT services, in which staff and outside advisers described trade-offs between continuity, licensing and onboarding costs.

Alicia, who has been leading the vendor review for staff, summarized the practical choice facing the board: “If we stop paying [Europa] as of July 1, we are liable for 50% of the remainder of the contract,” and switching vendors could require buying new equipment or paying higher ongoing fees. IT consultant Mike cautioned that licensing and compliance tied to Microsoft 365 and cybersecurity requirements make a hurried switch difficult.

Board members said Europa should provide monthly security reports showing blocked phishing and other activity; staff agreed to press Europa for clearer written terms and to continue searching for alternative providers before the contract expires. The board will revisit the issue at the next meeting when staff presents any new proposals or written cancellation terms.