New Braintree Police Evidence Room Among Approved Capital Items

BRAINTREE, MA — Funds for a new evidence room at the police station, a new fire engine, and roadwork were some of the items approved by the Town Council Tuesday night.

The councilors passed about $5.5 million in bonding for capital items. Most notable was $200,000 to move and upgrade the Braintree Police Department evidence room.

Last month, Interim Police Chief Paul Shastany told the councilors that the room is being moved to the lower level of the police station and funds would be requested to allow for the upgrade. The new room will be located in the former shooting range.

Earlier this year, an audit of the evidence room determined that nearly $408,000 along with thousands of pieces of evidence were unaccounted for. In early October, Sullivan announced that all but 12 of the 60 missing firearms have been found and about $140,000 in missing cash has been recovered. Sullivan said it is possible that some of the evidence may have been part of evidence room purges in 2009 and 2012.

The bonding comes at a time where the town has exceeded its target for free cash. According to Councilor Stephen O'Brien, the town has about $14.5 million in free cash, about $2 million above its target of $12.6 million.

"We have a low level of debt. We’re in a healthy position," he said.

Also approved by the council was 1.7 million for roadway resurfacing, $600,000 for a new fire engine, $478,000 for Town Hall renovations, $100,000 for library renovations, and $300,000 for school technology.

See below for the full list of approved projects.

16DEC6Councilagendarevisednoresume by DanLibon on Scribd

Image: file photo