Budget & Finance Committee - 05/05/2026

The Town of Bridgewater, MA Budget & Finance Committee convened on May 5, 2026, to discuss the fiscal year 2027 budget and related financial matters. Public comments highlighted concerns about optimistic revenue assumptions, particularly regarding property tax growth and ambulance revenue transfers, as well as the town's and school district's rising compensation and unfunded liabilities for employee benefits. Committee members acknowledged the budget's challenges, emphasizing the need for long-term structural changes to compensation and benefits rather than short-term cuts. The committee approved several budget orders, including the water and sewer enterprise funds and the transfer station enterprise fund, while discussing potential future considerations such as privatization of the transfer station to manage maintenance costs and capital improvements. The meeting also addressed the town clerk's salary and the importance of transparency and collaboration in budget planning. Overall, the committee approved the budget with reservations and stressed the importance of multi-year financial planning and community engagement moving forward.