Rules & Procedures Committee - 10/5/2026

The Town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Rules & Procedures Committee met on October 5, 2026. The committee considered Order FY27-014, which would direct the Budget and Finance Committee to study the financial and operational implications of withdrawing Bridgewater’s pre-kindergarten through grade 8 students from the regional school district. Topics identified for review included transportation, contractual obligations, staffing, health care and pension costs, and capital and operating expenses. The proposal does not itself authorize withdrawal; any future proposal would require further approvals, including a town vote. The committee recommended the order to the Town Council with an amendment clarifying the applicable regional-agreement and state approval requirements; the vote was 3–0.

The committee also reviewed a proposed ordinance concerning Flock automatic license plate reader (ALPR) systems and surveillance technology. Members amended provisions on approval and reporting, assigned responsibility for a voluntary registry to the town manager or designee, and removed a redundant penalty provision. The amended ordinance was recommended to the Town Council by a 3–0 vote. No contract awards, purchases, or other procurement activity were identified; the school feasibility study may examine costs but no funding or procurement was approved.