Southbridge Subcommittee Clears FEMA Generator Grant, Advances CMRECC Inquiry

Select Board · Meeting of July 14, 2026

Southbridge's Protection of Persons and Property Subcommittee unanimously backed a federal generator grant and opened the door to joining a regional emergency communications district at its July 14 joint session. The three-member subcommittee — Councilors Kelly, Grinier, and Klein — voted 3-0 on every item, accepting a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant of up to $133,262.25 to install a backup generator at Town Hall, with the town's minimum match set at $44,000 drawn from a $135,000 capital reserve established in 2022. Fire Chief, who pursued the grant for two years, said FEMA will cover the generator, installation, electrical, fencing, bollards, and cement work.

The panel also voted 3-0 to recommend the full Town Council authorize the Town Manager to gather information on joining the Central Massachusetts Regional Emergency Communications Center, an 11-town district that Southbridge voters supported in a non-binding June 9 ballot question; the full council must vote before any formal outreach begins. Two new PPP subcommittee members — Jason Kelly and David S. Langervin — were appointed through June 30, 2027, and Zachary Martins was confirmed as a new town constable through June 30, 2029.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 2,113 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of July 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.