Bedford council advances fire union contract raising pay to improve retention

The Town of Bedford presented Article 3 at its Feb. 2 deliberative session: a collective bargaining agreement with the Bedford Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local #3639, covering 2026–2028 that requests $395,742 for fiscal 2026 to cover estimated increases in salaries and benefits.

Councilor Michael Strand, who explained the article, said the package is aimed at improving retention and recruitment. "This will bring them to about 75% of market rate competitive salaries," Strand said, adding that increases aim to move more firefighters into longer-tenure brackets and reduce costly turnover. Strand noted first-responder duties include substantial ambulance and medical response work that differentiates recruiting and retention needs from other towns.

Resident Rob Buxton of 43 Hickory Lane spoke in support and noted the article affects roughly 40 fire personnel; Buxton said retaining paramedics who live locally matters for emergency response and community continuity. Moderator Henry Veilleux confirmed Article 3 will appear on the March 10 ballot as printed. A related conditional Article 4 would authorize the Town Council to call a single special meeting to address Article 3 cost items if Article 3 is defeated.

Procedural motions to restrict reconsideration for Articles 3 and 4 were made and passed during the session. The article carries an estimated longevity-related recurring cost if no successor contract is reached in 2029: an additional $100 per completed year of service starting after five years (estimated at $5,200 per year). The Town Council recommended Article 3 by a 6–1 vote.

If voters approve the article on March 10, the new contract terms will take effect per the agreement schedule for 2026–2028; if defeated, Article 4 would permit the council to call a special meeting to address cost items only.