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Council approves $1.3 million one‑time appropriation to begin city accounting system overhaul
Summary
The council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to authorize a $1.3 million supplemental appropriation from FY2026 levy capacity — funded by new taxable value from the Rivers Edge properties — to begin replacing Medford's aging accounting software with a multi‑year, staged system upgrade. Staff said the project will be phased over several years and include training, data cleanup and consultant procurement.
The Bedford City Council voted Oct. 28 to approve a $1,300,000 one‑time supplemental appropriation to begin replacing the city’s outdated accounting system.
Mayoral staff and finance officials told the council the funding will come from increased levy capacity tied to River’s Edge properties rolling onto the city tax rolls. According to council discussion, certified new‑growth estimates rose to roughly $3.45 million this fiscal year after settlement of Mystic Valley Development Commission (MVDC/MBDC) negotiations, creating temporary room on the FY2026 tax levy to fund the initiative without borrowing.
City staff described the work as a multi‑year, staged project. The initial phase will be a general‑ledger conversion, run concurrently with the current system to avoid disruption; subsequent modules (procurement, accounts payable, payroll and other functions) would be added in winter deployment windows across multiple years. Staff said implementation will require consultant procurement, program‑code cleanup of legacy accounts and significant staff training.
Councilors pressed staff on timeline and transparency. One councilor asked whether the upgrade would enable online payments and more accessible budget reporting; staff replied that online payment capabilities and a budget browser are feasible outcomes of a modern system but likely to occur in later phases after the general ledger is stable.
Members of the public urged caution in using one‑time windfall money during a time of acute resident needs. Commenters asked whether the appropriation would reduce available funds for emergency services or food security; staff responded that the city retains a separate stabilization fund (reported during the meeting at roughly $6 million) and emphasized the appropriation is a one‑time FY2026 action tied to new growth, not an ongoing commitment of the same amount in future budgets.
The motion to approve the appropriation passed on a roll‑call vote with seven affirmative votes and none opposed. City officials said they plan to hire consultants this winter to begin the general‑ledger work and will return to the council with procurement documents and more detailed timelines as the project advances.
