Bedford deliberative session approves $250,000 roadside amendment; operating budget set at $39.65M on ballot

Lori Radke, chairwoman of the town council, and town finance staff presented the proposed 2026 operating budget at the deliberative session, describing a $39,398,273 proposed budget and a default budget of $38,000,259. The presentation included line‑by‑line comparisons, revenue sources, and fund balance information. Radke summarized the package and highlighted the tax impact: an estimated $3.62 per $1,000 assessed value if the proposed budget passes.

Residents pressed staff on specific lines, including enterprise funds (BCTV, sewer, day camp), human resources, and the library. BCTV’s station manager, Bill Jennings, clarified that BCTV operates as an enterprise fund and “does not use any tax money.” Finance staff explained that variances between the proposed and default budgets can reflect one‑time purchases and staffing/benefit changes rather than simple volume changes.

Road maintenance emerged as a focused debate. Multiple residents and advocates cited the new director of public works’ recommendation to fund an additional $500,000 to protect ‘yellow’ roads from degrading to ‘red’ status, arguing such preventative investment limits future costs. Town Manager Rick Sawyer said the council prioritized getting out of default this year but acknowledged the director’s larger request. After discussion, a motion to amend the operating budget by adding $250,000 for road maintenance was made, seconded, and approved by voice card vote; officials recorded the new proposed operating budget total and noted the estimated tax impact of the amendment would be modest (a few cents on the tax rate).

The moderator then called for and the assembly approved a motion to restrict reconsideration of Article 7 as amended, which finalized the operating budget warrant language that will appear on the March 10 ballot.