The Town of Hubbardston Council on Aging agreed that town IT personnel or contractors should handle setup for new phones and computers after the town pledged $5,000 toward technology needs at the senior center.

Claudia Provencal, director, told members the town indicated a $5,000 allocation from maintenance funds “for technology” and said the money could cover phones, computers or other equipment. Members discussed whether the center should request iPads or Chromebooks; Claudia said town staff (including a technology contact named Nate) told the group the town may provide iPads to staff who need them.

Council members said the center needs at least two workstations — one in the receptionist area and another in the volunteer office — plus desks, chairs and improved wiring. Several members urged the council to use the town’s contracted IT providers (the group referred to them as “the geeks”) to sort wiring and configure shared access to the town server so volunteer staff can access the center’s programs remotely.

The council directed Claudia to coordinate with the town IT contact and to gather an inventory of existing equipment before purchases. “Under business, Claudia’s gonna take care of the new computers that we need,” a member said; council members agreed she will work with Ken and town IT to determine whether to buy new or repurpose existing machines.

Members also discussed software licensing and access to the town server, noting that some programs (such as the center’s client-management software) may require specific licensing or server-based access. The council agreed to prioritize desks and chairs first, then IT setup once the town funds and grant disbursements are confirmed.