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Bedford council adopts tax rates, appoints board member, approves deed and power purchase
Summary
The Bedford Town Council voted unanimously on a package of routine and substantive items: it set 2026 tax rates unchanged, appointed Bill Moseley to the Redevelopment and Housing Authority, approved a deed clarifying Stony Creek Reservoir parcels to the Bedford Regional Water Authority, and authorized a power purchase of up to 3 megawatts for 15 years.
The Bedford Town Council on the evening meeting adopted a series of ordinances, resolutions and routine approvals affecting taxes, appointments, property conveyances and the town's electric supply.
Council approved an ordinance setting the real estate tax rate at $0.28 per $100 of assessed valuation for fiscal year 2026–27 and adopted a personal property tax rate of $1.06 per $100 for calendar year 2026; both rates match 2025 levels. Town Manager Warner told the council the town's total real estate assessment rose about 2.29% because of new construction.
The council also adopted a resolution setting personal property tax relief under the state Personal Property Tax Relief Act (PPTRA) at 100% on the first $20,000 of assessed value, using the state reimbursement amount staff reported ($280,647) to fully allocate relief in 2026.
On the consent agenda, council appointed Bill Moseley to a Redevelopment and Housing Authority seat to serve the remainder of a term ending Oct. 13, 2026. Councilman Haley made the motion; Councilman Foreman seconded it and the motion carried with six members voting aye.
The council approved a request to temporarily close a portion of North Bridge Street for the Bedford Boys Tribute Center's wreath-laying ceremony on June 6, and approved a $7,907 budget amendment to direct insurance proceeds to professional services in the electric fund following repair of a damaged utility pole.
Council adopted a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter a prosecution-services agreement with the acting Bedford County Commonwealth's Attorney so prosecution services continue after the prior Commonwealth's Attorney resigned to accept a judgeship.
On a contested property matter, the town approved a deed of confirmation and release with the Bedford Regional Water Authority (BRWA) to resolve ambiguity over parcels adjacent to the Stony Creek Reservoir. Town staff and counsel described the conveyance as resolving overlapping claims and opening additional options for conservation and town-led uses of other parcels; the deed approval vote carried with six members voting aye.
Finally, the council authorized the town manager to purchase up to 3 megawatts of power from a combined-cycle natural gas plant through AMP Public Power Partners under a 15-year arrangement. Staff recommended purchasing up to 3 MW from the gas plant to hedge winter demand; John, a utility staff member, explained that committing to 3 MW would obligate the town to that capacity for 15 years and that AMP's price was currently below market. Councilman Haley moved to authorize the purchase; Councilman Foster seconded it and the motion carried with six members voting aye.
The council adjourned and scheduled its next meeting for April 21 at 6 p.m. for the third-quarter financial report.
