The Town of Northborough's Financial Planning Committee meeting on February 25 highlighted urgent HVAC needs at the Town Hall, a facility struggling with outdated heating and cooling systems. The discussion revealed that many offices lack adequate heating, forcing staff to rely on space heaters, which raises safety concerns during fire inspections.

Committee members noted that the building, originally a school, has been repurposed to accommodate more staff, leading to significant heating deficiencies. One official recounted the recent failure of a roof-mounted air conditioning unit, which necessitated the use of mobile units to cool critical server rooms. The total cost for emergency cooling measures exceeded $40,000, underscoring the financial strain of maintaining the aging infrastructure.

The meeting also addressed the building's poor air quality, exacerbated by insufficient ventilation and outdated systems. Officials emphasized the importance of proper air turnover to ensure tenant health and reduce virus transmission, pointing out that the current setup fails to meet necessary standards.

As the committee reviewed proposed capital items for the upcoming fiscal year, the need for comprehensive HVAC improvements at Town Hall emerged as a top priority. With the existing systems struggling to keep up with demands, the committee's discussions signal a critical moment for Northborough to invest in its municipal infrastructure to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for its employees.