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Fitchburg Council approves VAWA and JAG grants to fund domestic-violence advocate and technology upgrades
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved use of a $76,307.11 VAWA grant to continue the Police Department’s civilian domestic-violence advocate program and a $29,556 JAG award for technology and equipment upgrades to support community policing. Both orders were adopted by unanimous consent and signed by the mayor Jan. 29.
The Fitchburg City Council on Jan. 20 unanimously approved two grant-related orders to support public-safety work. The council adopted an order to expend Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant funds in the approximate amount of $76,307.11 to continue the Police Department’s civilian domestic-violence advocate program. The council also approved an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) expenditure of $29,556 for technology and equipment upgrades "to support community policing efforts."
Both orders were presented by the Finance Committee and recorded as adopted by unanimous consent (11–0). The minutes note the orders were signed by the mayor on Jan. 29, 2026. The VAWA award and JAG funds must be expended according to grant terms and will be used for personnel support for victim services and critical equipment and technology identified by the police department.
City Clerk Joanna Bilotta-Simeone recorded the committee report as read and accepted; the council’s vote was unanimous. The council did not record a separate roll-call showing individual yes/no votes in the minutes. The items were presented as Finance Committee recommendations and incorporated into the council’s consent actions for the meeting.
