Bristol Budget Committee unanimously backs $10.49 million 2026 budget and recommends warrant articles

The Bristol Budget Committee voted unanimously to recommend the proposed 2026 Town Budget of $10,489,158 and a package of related warrant articles, after a public hearing that concluded at 8:15 p.m. on Feb. 3.

Chair Paul Regan opened the hearing and told attendees the budget represents roughly a 5.8% increase over 2025, driven by wage adjustments, rising benefit and operating costs, and expanded State requirements; Water and Sewer operations are supported by user fees, he said. Town Administrator Christina Goodwin told the committee the budget was developed conservatively and noted a one-time additional audit is required because federal funding for the Central Street Pumping Station and Force Main Project triggered single-audit rules for recipients exceeding $750,000.

The committee reviewed departmental totals and line-item changes across General Government, Public Safety, Public Works, Public Services, and Water and Sewer. Highlights included a new shared Public Safety Building operating line and staffing additions in Police and Fire budgets: the Police Department budget includes funding for two part-time certified officers intended to reduce overtime, while the Fire Department budget reflects full-year salaries for four firefighter/paramedic positions previously approved; Chief Ben LaRoche said contracts with neighboring towns generate an estimated $950,000 to offset ambulance expenses.

Economic and capital requests noted in the hearing included a $69,000 design and engineering study for the Pemi-Path Project (funded through the Economic Committees section) and several capital reserve requests totaling $395,000. Revenue projections for 2026 were recommended at $4,185,907; Ms. Goodwin said estimates are intentionally conservative and adjusted a Sale of Town Property estimate from $200,000 to $50,000 since the draft.

Following discussion, the committee took formal motions and votes. Motions and results recorded in the minutes included: - Motion (recommend revenues $4,185,907) by Joe Caristi; seconded by Sue Sodano; vote 7-0-0. - Motion (recommend Article 13 — 2026 Budget $10,489,158) by Paul Regan; seconded by Daniel Kenney; vote 7-0-0. - Motions to recommend Articles 14–18 were each moved, seconded, and passed 7-0-0 (see meeting minutes for movers/seconders by article).

Regan noted a policy change in Article 18 that moves ambulance-billing revenue into a capital reserve fund; he expressed concern that shifting those receipts out of general revenue will affect future property tax rates, while others, including Joe Caristi, said a dedicated reserve is needed to fund expensive equipment replacements over the next decade. The committee recommended the change despite the concern.

The committee approved January 20, 2026 minutes and closed the public hearing. Town Meeting is scheduled for March 10 and March 14, 2026, at Newfound Regional High School, where voters will consider the recommended warrant articles.