# Budget and Finance Committee 09/29/2026

The Town of Bridgewater Budget and Finance Committee met on September 29, 2026, to review FY27 supplemental appropriations and budget issues. The committee voted to refer to Town Council a contractual buyout of approximately $49,896 related to the fire chief’s transition to the position, and a $60,000 legal-services appropriation. It also considered funding to restore reduced staff hours—generally to 38 hours for affected full-time employees—using available funds that included an approximately $249,000 prison-mitigation grant and the employee-liability fund. Supplemental requests for the town clerk and library were discussed. Library funding drew debate over a proposed use of stabilization funds and the implications of the library’s accreditation waiver; the transcript records opposition, but does not clearly establish the final recommendation or vote outcome. A correction to the amount for previously missed bills was discussed, with $14,087 stated, and referred to Council. No vendor was selected and no new procurement award was made.

The committee also discussed future budget priorities, including more detailed reporting on capital-project spending and accomplishments, road and water-treatment-plant needs, and the possibility of seeking other audit firms or a different engagement partner when the current audit arrangement is next bid; the current audit was already underway. A donation intended to replace the Recreation Department signboard was acknowledged. The minutes were postponed for correction. Votes and referrals were recorded on several items, though some vote details are unclear in the transcript.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 29, 2026

### Sources
- [Budget and Finance Committee 09/29/2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5JV7AvkAVw) - Town of Bridgewater, MA