Selectmen Consider Central Data Processing Center and Municipal Computer Purchase-October 30, 1975

Light Department Proposes $100,000 Mini-Computer System to Replace Outside Firm

Norwood Light Department officials proposed the purchase of a $100,000 mini-computer system yesterday to streamline department billing and accounting operations. Light Department Superintendent William Kates asked the Board of Selectmen for permission to enter into a lease-purchase agreement for the equipment, noting that bringing data processing in-house could save the town between $60,000 and $70,000 over five years.

Currently, the light department contracts an outside data processing firm in Burlington to manage accounting records and process light bills at an annual cost of approximately $48,000. Town Manager John P. Mogan and Supt. Kates emphasized that the rented external equipment is wearing out and must be replaced by a system with significantly greater information-storage capacity.

The proposed computer—manufactured by the Digital Equipment Corp. of Maynard—would not only handle light bills but could also absorb additional municipal tasks, such as generating payrolls and tracking tax assessments, according to Mr. Mogan. Superintendent Kates estimated the new system could be fully operational within six months of receiving board approval.

Selectmen Explore Creating a Central Data Processing Office

While Selectmen Charles L. Rich and William F. Butters expressed support for acquiring a computer system, they suggested expanding the initiative beyond a single department by establishing a central office of data processing to service all general municipal government operations.

Mr. Butters proposed housing the central computer facility in the old fire station located at Central and Nahatan Streets. To maximize efficiency, Manager Mogan suggested operating the equipment across two shifts: “There’s no reason the machine couldn’t be run 16 hours a day. The only people who don’t use computers around the clock are municipalities.”

The board ultimately held off on taking immediate action, scheduling a follow-up meeting with representatives from computer firms and various town departments for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to evaluate broader municipal computing needs.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger