Finance committee recommends several routine measures to full council, including contracts and appropriations

The Gardner City Finance Committee recommended several routine measures to the full council on matters ranging from donation confirmations to multi-year contract authorizations and free-cash appropriations.

Donation and gifts: The committee recommended confirmation of a $10,643.67 gift from the Department of Public Works to the Gardner Community Action Committee and praised community generosity.

Contracts: The committee recommended authorizing a contract of up to five years for curbside waste and recycling collection and a separate authorization for website hosting (also up to five years). Members said they had received the solicitation materials requested and moved both measures to the full council.

Appropriations: The committee recommended an order appropriating $35,200 in free cash for fire-department equipment, with an amendment limiting the funds’ use to grant-match purposes and specifying the disposition of unused funds consistent with state law/CMR guidance; members asked staff to adjust wording so the reversion of unused amounts aligns with state certification practices. The committee also recommended appropriating $201,000 from free cash to the police department new-vehicle account; members complimented the chief’s vehicle list and supported advancing the order.

Each recommendation passed by voice vote and will appear on the next full-council agenda for final action.