The Bedford Finance Committee is tasked with crafting the Town’s budget and making suggestions on the articles within the Town Meeting Warrant. Each article is carefully considered, with the committee attending presentations, posing questions, discussing details, and ultimately voting on a recommendation.
Although our recommendations appear in the warrant, we are sharing additional insights regarding our suggestions ahead of the Town Meeting set for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 24, at Bedford High School.
We hope this supplementary information proves valuable to the voters.
Article 2: Debate Procedures
This article seeks to establish customary procedures for the Town Meeting. These procedures facilitate an orderly and efficient meeting process.
The Finance Committee endorses this article.
Article 3: Consent Agenda
The Consent Article (or Consent Agenda) is a standard process used to streamline meetings. It condenses articles unlikely to spark debate into one motion that can be approved collectively, often involving routine matters.
This year’s Consent Article incorporates items that have been consistently voted in previous Town Meetings and require annual approval.
The Finance Committee supports this article.
Article 4: Prior Year Bills
The Finance Committee anticipates this article will be indefinitely postponed.
Article 5: General Bylaw Adjustment – Eliminate Library Trustees Revolving Fund
This article addresses a straightforward matter to dissolve a revolving fund that is no longer necessary. Revolving Funds are established in the Town’s General By-Laws for specific stipulations. This fund was originally set up for fines that were abolished five years ago. It is wise to eliminate unnecessary revolving funds.
The Finance Committee advocates for this article’s approval.
Article 6: Bylaw Revision – Revolving Fund Spending Caps
Revolving funds in the Town’s General By-Laws account for certain revenues and expenses related to specified purposes. This article aims to establish a ceiling on how much may be spent from each fund annually.
The fund managers keep track of balances, income, and expenses. This article sets a limit on fund expenditures for each fiscal year, ensuring the fund’s long-term sustainability. The Finance Committee regards these limits as prudent.
The Finance Committee recommends passing this article.
Article 7: Community Preservation Budget – FY 2026
The Community Preservation Committee shared its FY2026 budget with the Finance Committee, which reflects a responsible and suitable application of Community Preservation Funds.
The Finance Committee supports this article.
Article 8: Water Department Inflow & Infiltration Funding
A previous Town Meeting sanctioned funding for this capital project. Initially, this was to be financed through an interest-free MWRA loan (which was not available when payment was due). Therefore, this article allows the use of Free Cash to cover an already authorized expense for completed work.
The Finance Committee endorses this article.
Article 9: Capital Projects Plan for FY 2026
The Finance Committee supports the proposed Capital Projects Plan for Fiscal Year 2026, as it is crucial for maintaining important Town assets and supports the Town’s continued provision of services historically endorsed by voters.
The Finance Committee has confidence in the Town’s capital planning process, which draws on input from experienced departmental staff and consultants where required. The proposed projects have been thoroughly assessed, and their necessity confirmed.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 10: Capital Projects – Fire Station Improvements
This article allocates $3.45 million for vital utility, roadway, and stormwater improvements. While some of these upgrades relate to the fire station, others are essential regardless of the fire station project. These projects have been analyzed through the Town’s capital expenditure process.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 11: PEG Access and Cable Budget for FY 2025
The Community Media Committee oversees the Town’s PEG ACCESS and Cable Related Fund, which is a receipts reserve fund that must adopt an annual budget.
This year’s budget is entirely funded by franchise fees collected from Comcast and Verizon cable subscribers. These funds support PEG access programming, licensing, and the operation of cable television in Bedford.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 12: Salary Administration Plan Bylaw Amendment – Classification & Wage Schedule
This article proposes the adoption of an updated Classification and Wage Schedule for the Salary Administration Plan Bylaw. Changes to the Wage and Classification plan include a 3 percent salary increase for FY26 for all non-school department employees and title adjustments that do not affect compensation. This aims to ensure we attract and retain high-quality talent.
The Finance Committee supports this article.
Article 13: Transfer Free Cash for One-Time Payments to School and Non-Union Government Staff
This article authorizes a one-time payment to school and non-union government staff members who did not receive a “Cost of Living Adjustment” (COLA) during the 2021 fiscal year due to the COVID emergency. Payments will be disbursed in FY25.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 14: Transfer Free Cash to Enhance Finance Committee Reserve Fund
This article permits the transfer of $1,200,000 from Free Cash to the Finance Committee Reserve Fund to address any budget gaps in the School Department. Utilizing the Reserve Fund provides flexibility in fund availability and ensures only necessary amounts are allocated.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 15: Transfer Free Cash to Support Cultural District Activities
This article allocates $9,000 from Free Cash to the Select Board budget for revenue derived from the Cultural District. The Cultural District Revolving Fund was approved at the Special Town Meeting on Nov. 18, 2024, prior to the acceptance of the Cultural District Reserve Fund by the Massachusetts Attorney General. The funds will be utilized by the Cultural District in FY25 and this article is purely administrative.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 16: Appropriation for Special Education Reserve Fund
The Special Education Reserve Fund was created to cover unexpected or unbudgeted special education costs, out-of-district tuition, or transportation expenses. This reserve fund helps smooth fluctuations in the School Department budget.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 17: Appropriation from Special Education Reserve Fund for FY26
The Special Education Reserve Fund aids in managing unplanned or unbudgeted expenses, such as special education costs, out-of-district tuition, or transportation. The town is mandated to cover these costs. The recommended appropriation of $350,000 increases the fund’s total balance to $650,000, reflecting a responsible level.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 18: Annual Operating Budgets for FY 2026
This article outlines the Town’s operating budget for the year. Though it is feasible, the growth rate is unsustainable. It is created while considering the needs of all departments, balanced against projected revenues and expenditures. This budget accounts for growth in mandatory expenses that exceed revenue increases.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 19: Appropriation to Stabilization Fund
The Finance Committee recommends this article, which proposes allocating $500,000 to the Town’s stabilization fund. We support this funding as it is crucial for maintaining our credit rating.
The Finance Committee endorses this article.
Article 20: Ambulance Enterprise Budget for FY 2026
This article presents the principal operating budget for the Town’s ambulance service for the upcoming fiscal year. It specifically funds the ambulance service separately from other emergency services (police and fire).
This budget is principally financed through fees for ambulance services.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 21: Additional Funding for Salary Plan
This article seeks $75,000 in additional merit compensation for non-union general employees specified in the Salary Administration Plan Bylaw, Compensation and Wage Schedule, Section A. This funding is for extra merit compensation for qualifying employees based on performance.
The requested amount is significantly lower than in previous years due to a 4 percent combined COLA and merit already budgeted for.
The Finance Committee endorses this article.
Article 22: Supplemental Accrued Leave Fund Provision
This article requests $50,000 for the Supplemental Accrued Leave Fund, which exists to cover accumulated sick and vacation leave benefits for Town employees who retire or resign.
The current reserve balance is about $273,730. The proposed $50,000 addition is less than prior contributions, as no significant retirements are anticipated. It is wise financial management to sustain this fund.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 23: Zoning Bylaw Reorganization Amendment
The reorganization of the Zoning Bylaw is still in draft form. The Finance Committee will wait for the finalized version of the Bylaws before providing a recommendation.
The Finance Committee will deliver its recommendation at the Annual Town Meeting.
Article 24: Zoning Bylaw Amendment – Accessory Dwelling Units
The Planning Board is assessing this amendment in conjunction with the Commonwealth. Consequently, the Finance Committee will await the Planning Board’s stance before offering a recommendation.
The Finance Committee will provide its recommendation at the Annual Town Meeting.
Article 25: General Bylaw Change – Warrant Delivery Method
This article offers a new method for delivering the Town Meeting Warrant to residents in a more economical and timely way (either through an electronic link or printed upon request). It reduces costs for the Town and allows additional time for committees to carefully review Warrant Articles (as the time needed for printing the warrant is decreased).
The Finance Committee advocates for this article.
Article 26: General Bylaw Change – Article 56 Tax Deferral for Renovated Historic Properties
The Finance Committee anticipates this article may be postponed indefinitely.
Article 27: Bylaw Amendment – Volunteer Eligibility for Boards and Committees
Permanent residents of Bedford are equally motivated to serve on boards and committees as registered voters. Currently, there are numerous vacancies, and enacting this article would expand the pool of residents available to contribute their time and expertise for the Town’s benefit.
The Finance Committee supports this article.
Article 28: Citizen Petition: Multifamily Housing
This article, introduced by a homeowner from 45 Loomis St., seeks alteration to the Multi-Family Housing Overlay District. The Finance Committee believes it is unwise to make isolated changes to a substantial zoning plan.
The Finance Committee recommends disapproval of this article.
Article 29: Citizen Petition: VFW Building
This article requests $35,000 from Free Cash for the demolition and grading of the VFW building at Depot Park to prepare the site for a proposed park. The Town of Bedford purchased the building in 2019, and it has remained unused.
The park’s construction will be addressed in a future article. This project transforms a potential liability into an asset, resolving the issue of a vacant, deteriorating building.
The Finance Committee supports this article.
Article 30: OPEB Liability Trust Fund Appropriation
This article earmarks $1,119,410 toward the Town’s unfunded liability for Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). This figure represents 5 percent of certified free cash, per the Town’s policy. The Finance Committee believes it is imperative to maintain contributions towards this liability.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 31: Allocation to the 300th Anniversary Fund
This article suggests funding $10,000 for Bedford’s 300th Anniversary Special Revenue Fund. The current fund balance is approximately $51,668.
The Finance Committee recommends approval of this article.
Article 32: Use of Surplus Revenue “Free Cash” to Mitigate FY26 Tax Load
The Finance Committee will give its recommendation at the Annual Town Meeting.
Article 33: Acceptance of MGL Ch 59, Sec 5 Forty-First C ½
This article modestly enhances a tax benefit that aids older adults in staying in the town by assessing overall household income rather than solely focusing on the income of one applicant. The town greatly benefits from its older residents, and this represents a sensible incentive.
The article allows Town Meeting to modify the exemption by using household income limits instead of an individual applicant’s income basis for real estate tax exemptions, as advised by the Board of Assessors.
The Finance Committee endorses this article, advocating for the recommended adoption of clause (4), which applies household income limits.
Article 34: Acceptance of MGL Ch 59, Sec 5 Forty-First C
The Finance Committee will offer its recommendation at the Annual Town Meeting.
Members of the Bedford Finance Committee:
• Ben Thomas, Chair
• Abigail Seibert, Vice Chair (Resigned on Feb. 1, 2025)
• Phil Prince, Vice Chair (Elected on Feb. 6, 2025)
• Karen Dunn, Clerk
• George Lee
• Tom Rowan
• Allen Jimerson (Joined Jan. 15, 2025)
