Finance Committee recommends $4.9M bond for Marlborough public safety radio overhaul

MARLBOROUGH -- September 14, 2023, Marlborough Finance Committee recommends $4.9M bond for failing public safety radio system. The committee voted 4-1 Sept. 14 to send a $4,925,000 bond order to the full City Council for an 18-month overhaul of police and fire dispatch, rejecting Mayor Arthur Vigeant's late pivot to fund the project from free cash. Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Emanuelson said technicians from contractor Cybercom have been "borrowing parts" to keep the analog system running, and Police Chief Kevin Breen described switching primary dispatch channels mid-parade Labor Day weekend. Council President Ossing argued free cash, certified at $12 million and already drawn down by $2.4 million Monday, could not absorb the project after projected snow and capital costs. Motorola rep John Connolly agreed to seek an extension of a $179,000 discount tied to a Sept. 20 deadline so the council can vote Oct. 2.