Gardner Finance Committee Meeting Oct 9 2026

The Gardner Finance Committee of the City of Gardner, Massachusetts, met on October 9, 2026. The committee discussed removal of decommissioned underground fuel tanks at DPW: the tanks were taken out of service before leaking, but the city does not qualify for DEP removal funding and has not identified another funding source. The city uses a state-contract WEX fuel card system, which provides rebates and discounted prices at Gulf stations; members also asked whether local fuel-station pricing could be competitively explored. The city is assessing its vehicle fleet and insurance, and the mayor said the annual insurance market review last year resulted in a switch to Hub Insurance and approximately $250,000 in savings. The committee kept the tank matter on its agenda for continued monitoring.

The committee reviewed a community-center/water-park project update and voted to place the communication on file. It also discussed borrowing for aeration improvements at the wastewater treatment facility: the proposed loan would be for 20 years, repaid by the sewer enterprise fund, with construction anticipated to begin in spring. The repayment schedule and further financial information from Hilltop Securities are pending, so the committee kept the item for a later meeting rather than advancing it. On city finances, the mayor said a hiring freeze would remain in place through at least November 1, with reevaluation then; spending controls include review when departments exceed 50% of a line item and possible mayoral approval for further expenditures. A professional-development policy is being rewritten to prioritize job-required needs and consider free or virtual alternatives.