Council tables winter‑maintenance MOU with Bedford School District after budget allocation concerns

The Bedford Town Council on July 16 tabled consideration of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Bedford School District that formalizes routine winter‑maintenance support the town provides to the schools. Town Manager Rick Sawyer said the MOU had been in place in 2024 and the only proposed change was to remove an annual reauthorization requirement and make the agreement ongoing until terminated by either party.

Several councilors raised concerns about how the town’s budget — particularly under a default budget — absorbs the costs and whether the school district should share more of the expense. Councilor Banes asked, "So the number comes out of the municipal budget. Should we be charging it back to them?" Sawyer replied the arrangement had been practiced for decades and that taxpayers ultimately pay either way.

Councilors requested more specific dollar figures for the town’s cost and asked the town manager to consult with the superintendent about possible cost‑sharing or conditions if the town is in a budget default. Councilor Sowell moved to table the item; Councilor Bemis seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote. Sawyer said he would have follow‑up discussions with the superintendent and return to council in August with additional information.

No formal changes to the MOU were approved at the meeting. The MOU remains in place under its current terms, and the council will revisit the item when staff provide the requested cost details and proposed language addressing default‑budget contingencies.