Marlborough council postpones Ferrell pool transfer, rescinds $470,000 in bonds

MARLBOROUGH — September 23, 2024 — Marlborough City Council postpones Ferrell wading-pool transfer and rescinds $470,000 in unissued bonds. On a motion by Ward 3 Councilor Robert Preciado, the council unanimously deferred an $858,941 free-cash transfer for Ferrell Field until Oct. 7, pending a combined package covering Ward Park as well. Members rescinded $350,000 for Evergreen Cemetery and $120,000 for Walker Building boilers, then re-approved both as free-cash transfers, after Mayor J. Christian Dumas wrote the bonds were never acted on. With free cash certified at $19,112,888, the council moved $1,911,288.80 each into the OPEB trust and undesignated stabilization. "We're financially in good shape right now," Councilor John J. Irish said. The Finance Committee voted 5-0 to seek a $2.1 million free-cash package for pools at both parks; Preciado disputed the administration's "lifeguard shortage" rationale for a Ward Park splash pad.