Bedford council moves two collective‑bargaining financial terms to March ballot after debate

The council reviewed two tentative three‑year collective bargaining agreements on Dec. 17 and voted to move the monetary terms of both contracts to the March 10, 2026 warrant for voter approval.

Town management and HR presented the Bedford Professional Firefighters Local 3639 (IAFF) tentative agreement, which covers 1/1/2026–12/31/2028 and includes a modification to the step system and wage increases (7% in year one, 4% in years two and three). Management said the changes are intended to bring wage scales to the 70th percentile of comparable communities; staff estimated a three‑year total cost of about $2.13 million and annual costs of roughly $395,702 in 2026, $312,439 in 2027 and $316,799 in 2028. Councilors debated competitiveness, the size of the first‑year increase and the fiscal strain on taxpayers. After discussion the council voted to approve the motion to ratify the tentative agreement and forward the financial items to the warrant. The motion passed 6–1, with Councilor Sowell opposed.

A separate presentation covered the Bedford Police Union (SEIU Local 1984, chapter 64) tentative agreement. The proposed police contract increases the wage scale by 5.3% in year one and 3% in years two and three, adds fifth steps for several positions and includes clarifications on arbitration, discipline process and compensatory time. Management estimated a three‑year total cost of about $1.73 million and said the first year would represent approximately four cents on the tax rate. The council debated whether targeted market adjustments would be preferable to broad increases. The council voted 6–1 to approve the motion to ratify the police tentative agreement and move the financial terms to the warrant, with Councilor Sowell in opposition.

Both votes were framed as sending the financial terms to the ballot; the final decision on funding rests with Bedford voters on March 10, 2026.