Council elects Karen Butler as City Auditor; approves $236,200 in free cash spending
Gardner City Council elects Karen Butler as City Auditor; approves $236,200 in free cash. The special search committee co-chaired by Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz unanimously recommended Butler after interviewing three candidates; all 10 present Councillors and President George Tyros voted in
City Council · Meeting of February 17, 2026
Gardner City Council elects Karen Butler as City Auditor; approves $236,200 in free cash. The special search committee co-chaired by Councillor Aleksander Dernalowicz unanimously recommended Butler after interviewing three candidates; all 10 present Councillors and President George Tyros voted in favor on roll call. The Council also approved $35,200 from free cash to cover the local match for a $330,856 FEMA grant for 38 new Fire Department portable radios, and $201,000 for three new Police Department vehicles per the department's vehicle rotation program.
Mayor Michael J. Nicholson announced the discontinuation of sludge landfill expansion following state environmental review, with the administration to explore alternatives.
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Source: the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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