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Bradford Select Board outlines capital priorities, flags Middle Branch Bridge and town revaluation
Summary
At its Nov. 4 meeting, the Bradford Select Board discussed next-year capital priorities including a $215,000 estimate for Middle Branch Bridge, a proposed $101,000 revaluation and several road and park projects; members asked staff to pursue grant opportunities and return with more details.
The Town of Bradford Select Board on Nov. 4 reviewed a list of proposed capital projects and preliminary cost estimates as officials begin Step 2 of next year’s budget planning.
Edward Nevells, chair of the Select Board, led the discussion of priorities, saying the board should pursue grant funding for a number of large items. Nevells listed a proposed Middle Branch Bridge repair estimated at $215,000 plus grants and noted the need to check grant eligibility before committing local funds. He also described a town revaluation and updated tax maps as a high priority, with an estimated cost of about $101,000.
Why it matters: the items on the list would affect the town’s capital spending for fiscal year 2025 and could require borrowing or grant applications. Board members framed the list as preliminary estimates to guide next year’s budget discussions.
Board members and staff identified additional projects and rough cost ranges. Nevells suggested a $60,000 fire‑apparatus figure (noting grant potential to reduce local cost), a $7,000 project to replace ballfield fencing and driveway, and an $85,000 estimate to pave Williams Road and apron work just past the bridge. He also proposed setting aside $10,000 annually toward Bradford’s bicentennial in 2031 and upgrading camera and security systems with cloud storage, estimated at $6,000–$10,000.
Timothy Bubar, vice chair, emphasized recurring road maintenance needs including ditching (estimated $5,000–$10,000 annually or an option of $20,000), brush cutting, bridge sweeping and targeted work on the Station Road hill. The board deferred further prioritization and asked staff to return with refined cost breakdowns and grant options.
The board did not adopt any of the projects as final spending items at the meeting; members characterized the list as guidance for the next budgeting steps. Staff were asked to follow up on grant opportunities and provide more detailed estimates at a future meeting.
