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Council backs police union contract proposal framed as retention measure
Summary
Article 5 is a proposed 2026–2028 police union contract asking $231,511 for 2026 to cover salary and benefit increases; Council recommended the article and a motion to restrict reconsideration passed at the session.
Article 5, the collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the Bedford Police Union (SEIU Local 1984, Chapter 64), was presented at the Feb. 2 deliberative session. The warrant lists estimated increases of $231,511 in 2026 (with larger amounts budgeted for subsequent years) and an estimated tax impact noted in the warrant materials.
Councilor Michael Strand described the package as "moderate raises for Police" intended to address prior turnover and support police staff who live in the community. The warrant also includes a longevity provision should a successor agreement not be reached in 2029, similar to the fire contract language.
A procedural motion to restrict reconsideration on Article 5 was made by Councilor Radke and passed. The Town Council recommended Article 5 by a 6–1 vote; the question will appear on the March 10 ballot for voter decision.
