Select Board votes to continue Europa IT contract and allow deficit spending if needed

The Town of Townshend Select Board voted to continue its managed‑services contract with IT vendor Europa and authorized tentative deficit spending in the next fiscal year if necessary to maintain service and compliance.

Board members and town IT advisers described Europa’s value in providing Microsoft 365 licensing and managed security; they also flagged exit risks. Alicia (S10) warned the board that, if the town stopped payments, Europa could withhold account access: “They reserve the right to change the passwords on our network equipment that we own, which would make them not usable.” Budget and procurement options were discussed, including the possibility of negotiating improved contract terms or finding an alternative vendor once the contract ends.

After hearing proposals from other vendors and the IT committee’s assessment that alternatives would be more expensive or require equipment rentals, S8 moved to continue the contract; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board asked staff to seek clearer written terms from Europa, request monthly security reporting, and return before the contract’s expiration if a better option can be secured.