Bedford advances 2026 budget to Jan. 14 public hearing; council declines to sponsor skateboard‑park warrant article

Town Manager Rick presented revisions to the proposed 2026 operating and capital budgets that reduced the capital request by about 10% and trimmed the operating request slightly. Staff outlined motions for four staffing items and several capital reserve deposit changes. After addressing those individual items and several capital adjustments (including a revised dump‑truck replacement schedule), the council voted to move the proposed operating budget and warrant articles to a public hearing on Jan. 14, 2026.

One contentious item was an $800,000 reconstruction request for the skateboard park. Residents and project advocates described aging infrastructure and recommended the town fund the project — the group reported having raised about $88,000 in private contributions. Management presented alternatives: full taxpayer funding, using $234,000 from recreation capital reserves to reduce the ask, or a hybrid mix including fund balance. Councilors expressed concern about cumulative tax pressure after approving large contract warrant articles and recommended letting voters decide. After extended public comment and debate, the council adopted a motion NOT to move the skateboard‑park article forward; the supporters were advised they may submit a citizen’s petition or return with revised funding scenarios. The council's vote on that motion resulted in the article not being scheduled by council action.

The council also approved a $40,000 use of Invest New Hampshire funds to provide $20,000 in 2026 and $20,000 in 2027 to the Stephen Boswell Community Center to help bridge operating costs while it finalizes occupancy and program launches. That motion passed 7–0. Separately, council directed staff to pursue lighting estimates for Legacy Park tennis/pickleball courts and to return with recommended contract numbers and funding sources (impact fees and capital reserves were discussed). Finally, the council agreed to move the budget and warrant articles to a public hearing on Jan. 14, 2026; the deliberative session is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026 and voting day is March 10, 2026.