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Bedford council moves operating budget to the warrant after library funding debate
Summary
After a detailed presentation of the proposed $39.3 million operating budget, councilors and residents debated the fiscal impact and the risk of a default budget. The council voted to move Article 7 to the warrant for the deliberative session and, following public pressure, restored a $58,749 library staffing request.
The Town of Bedford’s proposed 2026 operating budget — $39,339,524 — was the centerpiece of an extended public hearing on Jan. 14.
Town Manager Rick Sawyer walked the council and attendees through the major numbers, noting the proposed appropriations were roughly 2.5–2.6% over the adopted 2025 budget and that the estimated municipal tax rate if only the operating article passes would be $3.61 per $1,000 of assessed value. He also explained that the town has proposed to use $1,250,000…
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