The Annual Town Meeting for Northborough, Massachusetts, held on May 1, 2025, focused on a critical funding request for the town's cable access television service. The meeting featured a proposal to allocate $53,690 from the peg access cable-related fund for the purchase and installation of a new broadcast server, known as a hyper caster, for Northborough Cable Access Television (NCAT).

Dana Volk, the director of NCAT, presented the request, emphasizing the importance of the cable access service in providing coverage for municipal meetings, town events, and creating video content for the community. Volk explained that NCAT operates with funding derived from 5% of residential cable subscription revenue and is accessible through various platforms, including Verizon and Charter Cable, as well as online via YouTube and Facebook.

The current broadcast server, which has been in use for nearly a decade, is nearing the end of its operational life and is expected to fail by early 2027. Volk highlighted the risks associated with the aging equipment, noting that if the server were to malfunction, NCAT would be unable to broadcast, significantly impacting community access to local government and events.

The proposed funding aims to ensure the continuity of NCAT's services and maintain the town's commitment to transparency and community engagement through accessible media. The motion was made and seconded, indicating support for the initiative among attendees.

As the meeting progressed, the significance of this funding request was underscored by the role NCAT plays in fostering community connection and providing essential information to residents. The outcome of the vote on this proposal will determine the future capabilities of Northborough's cable access services.