Monday, May 6, 2013
The mayor's proposed budget represents a 4.89% increase over the FY '13 budget.
The proposed $133 million Fiscal Year 2014 budget for the city takes into account increased local aid and continued strong growth figures. "With anticipated local aid and local receipts, the impact to the taxpayer's projects to be less than a 2% increase on the property tax levy," wrote Mayor Arthur Vigeant in a letter to the City Council that will be presented at tonight's meeting. So while the budget will increase by 4.89 percent, increased taxes on residents and local businesses will not reach that level, according to Vigeant. The budget brings with it the continued improvement to the water treatment center and the school systems, he said. This will be the first full year where the city will be paying the bonds on the Easterly and …
Friday, March 15, 2013
Mayor Arthur Vigeant told Patch that he wants to keep the city moving in a positive direction if he is elected to a second term.
Arthur Vigeant says he wants to continue building on the businesses in the community and improving the schools if he is elected to a second term in office. "First of all I love doing the job. I am having a real good time and things are going well," said Mayor Vigeant of his first term as mayor following nearly two decades in local politics. There has been good progress made in the city in the last year with large businesses moving in to the city, he said. However, work needs to continue to support those businesses and smaller businesses in order to stabilize residential tax rates. “We’ve been extremely fortunate with the companies like TJX and Quest and Boston Scientific," said the mayor. “Those are the companies that don’t come along …
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Mayor Vigeant states "... If we have it they will come."
With school officials aiming to add five English Language Learner positions across the district in the coming school year, Mayor Arthur Vigeant spoke against the expansion saying it would continue to grow as people move into the district for the services. “I can't continue to attract people to the program, because if we have it they will come,” said the mayor, who chairs the School Committee, during a budget meeting Tuesday night. "I can’t continue to absorb what we are absorbing now." The mayor said the students that are in the district now need to be served, but that by expanding the services it will continue to draw people into the district, requiring the additional expansion of the program in coming years. “You are going to give me the…
Monday, March 11, 2013
Mayor Arthur Vigeant has taken out papers to run for a second term.
Mayor Arthur Vigeant took out papers to run for a second term Monday morning. The mayor is the only person to have pulled papers for the position, which became available Monday morning, according to officials from the City Clerk's Office. The run would represent a second term for the mayor who was voted in with 42 votes above his opponent Matthew Jones. During that campaign, the mayor ran on his experience, with 18 years on the City Council.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
City officials are putting the call out for local residents to step into the shoes of law enforcement.
With an upcoming civil service exam, Mayor Arthur Vigeant is calling for residents to take the test and enter law enforcement. “The Marlborough Police Department has a strong roster of men and women dedicated to making our city a better community. I strongly encourage city residents interested in protecting and serving our city to consider this opportunity,” said Mayor Vigeant. Anyone joining the department's ranks would be part of an organization that recently added members who grew up in the community. The fire department also recently added three new members who grew up in Marlborough. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Civil Service Exam for local Police Officers, Transit Police and State Troopers is only offered every other year. …
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The mayor has released a list of reasons for having Ward Park serve as the location for a new Senior Center.
The mayor is saying that locating a $7 million Senior Center at Ward Park is a win-win in a statement released yesterday along with answers to frequently asked questions about the project. “This project is a win-win for all involved," said Mayor Arthur Vigeant in the release. "The existing field space will gain much needed enhancements and improvements and our seniors will benefit from a downtown location with easy access to more recreational space.” A list of answers to many of the questions that have been brought up during neighborhood meetings on the subject are addressed in the FAQ — which is available on the city's website and we have uploaded along with this story. Many of the questions in the FAQ are similar to those brought up in a…
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Mayor Arthur Vigeant has requested an additional $215,000 in overtime for the Police and Fire Department.
Mayor Arthur Vigeant said overtime spending is being brought under control even as he requested an additional $215,605.48 in overtime for the Police and Fire Department. "Although we have a ways to go, I am pleased we are moving in the right direction," wrote Mayor Vigeant in a letter to the City Council regarding the police overtime. Overtime in both departments is down compared to the same time last year, he said. The costs are planned to be further controlled in the future by filling open positions. Receive breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here It was those open positions and injuries that caused much of the overtime, according to Mayor Vigeant. "This request is necessary to pay for overtime …
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The Marlborough Fire Department will be at the full staffing level by July.
The fire department will be at full staffing levels by July, with five fire fighter candidates scheduled to attend a recruit class. “Once we get those five people on board we will be at maximum staffing," said Fire Chief James Fortin at a Finance Committee meeting Monday. “By July first we will be at the maximum level.” Bringing up that staffing level, and thus cutting the reliance on overtime, has been a goal of Mayor Arthur Vigeant. The mayor also made the same push to fill staffing openings with the Police Department in order to bring back community policing. Receive breaking news in your inbox or smartphone by signing up for our newsletter here The summer is the busy season for the department that has spent roughly 64 percent of its …
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
The Finance Committee recommended the adoption of two union contracts with only three left to be negotiated by the city.
The Finance Committee voted to recommend the City Council adopt two union contracts Monday night. “They’ve been very reasonable in the things they have been talking about," said Mayor Arthur Vigeant as he discussed the fire fighters contract. “We’re not looking to take advantage of them. We are looking for a fair day's work for a fair day's pay.” The contracts with the DPW Marlborough Public Works Equipment Operators Association (MWPEOA) and Firefighters Local 1714 were both recommended to be adopted by the full council. The MWPEOA contract will cost the city $52,725.22 for a contract that will cover 2013. The money is a one time stipend, rather than dealing with the calculations for retroactive pay, said the mayor. The contract itself …
Monday, January 14, 2013
The police officers brought into the ranks of the Marlborough Police Department in 2012 were recognized recently.
The six newest members of the Marlborough Police Department were recognized recently. "I am enormously pleased with the caliber of these men and women and ask that you join me in wishing them a long and successful career serving and protecting our community," wrote Mayor Arthur Vigeant in a letter to the City Council. The police officers were hired in 2012. They represent part of the effort to regain community policing in the city. Scott Carey graduated from the Boston Police Academy on July 24. He completed field training and is assigned to the midnight shift. Paul McCarthy transferred from the Oxford Police Department on Aug. 20. He has completed field training and is assigned to the midnight shift. Rafael Faria graduated from the …
Skee Bigelow
1:23 pm on Monday, May 6, 2013
A K 9 program ? The State Police cover that pretty well. This is very costly against the amount of time of actual need. This is a luxury, not needed in Marlborough. Plus the FBI has tracker teams available for more serious crimes. More people on duty is what is needed. more ›