Vote YES on Article 2: Charter Revision Proposed by the Charter Commission
It’s time the town budget appears on the ballot with the other town articles.
Last March, Bedford approved a Charter Commission to review the Bedford Town Charter and make recommendations to amend the Charter to allow “official ballot voting” – essentially voting on town budget items at the same time as other town warrant and school district warrant articles. Less than 100 people vote each year on the town budget, which requires attending Budgetary Town Meeting on the Wednesday following voting day. There isn’t an option to participate for people not available at 7pm.
Nine commissioners held 10 meetings, meeting with subject matter experts and representatives from other towns. The proposed charter changes were approved 9-0.
YES to the South River Road Police & Fire Complex
The Bedford Town Council is proposing a 44,000 sq ft police station and fire substation at 300 South River Road and to renovate the existing Safety Complex and Town Office building. Police and fire have seen a 400% increase in calls since the original safety complex was built in 1994.
More information is available on the town’s website.
Tax impact per $1,000 valuation for $600k home:
2024—$0.00 / $0
2025—$0.10 / $60
2026—$0.49 / $294
YES to the School Operating Budget
The School District budget supports high quality education linked directly to student growth and achievement and supports long-term planning in capital improvements, technology and instructional materials.
The major drivers of the operating budget are:
- Health insurance – $1,783,456 (14.8% GMR)
- Transportation – $176,064 (5.5%)
- Special Education – $652,358 (9.2%)
Reductions in Revenue:
- Fund Balance – ($1,552,163)
- Impact Fees – ($217,730)
Proposed Operating Budget: $90,113,217
$3,140,624 increase (3.61%) over FY24 ($86,972,593)
Impact on the tax rate: $0.87
Tax Rate Impact Per $1,000 valuation ($600k home):
Operating Budget—$0.87 / $522
Default Budget—$0.81 / $486
Difference—$36
YES on the Town Operating Budget (Vote Wednesday, March 13 at 7pm – Bedford High School Theater)
Registered voters in attendance will vote on the capital reserve fund and the town operating budget.
Capital Reserve Fund: $2,266,032 Funds various capital reserve funds and equipment
Town Operating Budget: $37,508,146
Total Proposed Budget: $39,774,178
Tax Rate Impact Per $1,000 valuation
$600k home: Operating Budget $0.47 ($282)