Finance Committee Meeting - April 21st, 2026

The Town of Bridgewater Finance Committee held a meeting on April 21, 2026, focusing primarily on procurement and budgetary matters related to collective bargaining agreements and capital projects. Key procurement discussions included approval of the Bridgewater Police Relief Association MCOP Local 397 collective bargaining agreement, which involved wage increases, health insurance cost-sharing adjustments, and personal day additions. The committee approved a $254,700 budget transfer to fund retroactive and current year costs associated with this contract. There was detailed discussion on the cost structure of police details, including billing practices and benefit costs, highlighting concerns about whether the town's billing fully covers associated expenses. Additionally, the committee reviewed grant awards totaling approximately $85,000 from the Department of Energy Resources for energy efficiency projects, including a $75,000 library window replacement and a $7,500 grant for a battery electric vehicle, though the vehicle purchase was tabled pending further cost analysis. The meeting also addressed enterprise fund budgets for water, sewer, and transfer station operations, with questions raised about administrative cost allocations and rate structures. Members expressed concerns about rising pension and health insurance liabilities impacting the town's budget and discussed potential strategies for cost containment and benefit plan reviews. Motions to approve the police contract and related budget transfers were passed by roll call vote, while the electric vehicle grant item was tabled for further review.