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Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
New Hudson FinCom member calls for ‘Audit Committee’ By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – A newly appointed member of the Hudson Finance Committee laid out a series of suggestions to the Select Board, including forming an Audit Committee. Ryan Bis – who spoke before the Select Board on Nov. 3, just three hours after he was appointed to the Finance Committee – said he has experience in turning around financial organizations. He is a Certified Public Accountant and vice president for finance at a publicly-traded biotech company in Waltham. He holds a degree in accounting and finance from Boston University. Bis called for the creation of an Audit Committee to provide “enhanced monitoring” of the Finance Department and the town’s financial compliance. He said the board should find an experienced consultant to “assess the current state of the department” and recommend short- and long-term changes. He said such a consultant should report directly to the board and not the Town Manager. Bis prefaced his remarks by saying the accounting issues in Hudson are not unique, and that he has “seen them many times before and they are fixable. … The severity of our situation stems not from the voluminous tactical issues noted in the Finance Action Plan, but from our current oversight and governance procedures.” “Decisive and immediate action” is necessary, Bis said, and asked the Board not to let “another two weeks pass without action.” “Issues arise and mistakes will happen, FinCom | 19
Vol. 51 | No. 47 | November 21, 2025
Kits for Kids assembles care packages for children in need By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter MARLBOROUGH – Community members gathered on Nov. 12 to build over 400 care packages for local children in need, just in time for the holiday season. Run by the Marlborough-based nonprofit Kits for Kids, local volunteers put together the “kits” for children each year. The kits contain hygiene items, art supplies, notebooks, and toys. While the kits are mostly geared toward teenagers, Kits for Kids President Jay Johnston said they also made some for younger children. “Our hope is to bring a smile to these children’s faces,” Jay Johnston said. “With everything we do, we’re not able to stop the causes that are putting children into these categories, but we’re here to try to help with their lives, and we hope that this brings happiness to them and a light in the darkness.” The kits will be donated to the Marlborough Community Cupboard and the Kits | 19
Volunteers assembled 400 kits for local children on Nov. 12. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Negotiations regarding Lizotte Drive condo project By Paul Hopkins Reporter MARLBOROUGH – The City Council’s Urban Affairs Committee tabled a proposal to build a 187-unit multi-family complex at 130 Lizotte Drive, urging the developer to double its proposed donation for walking trails and nearby baseball fields. Councilors were also interested
in potential financial support for a future West End Fire Station. The developer, Ferris Development Group, is seeking a special permit for the project. The firm originally planned to donate $25,000 to support trail maintenance around Lake Williams. Councilors suggested increasing that to $50,000 and at least one indicated the three
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