Finance Committee — January 15, 2026

New Library Director Jackie Powers presented FY26 budget request of $1,719,000, which is $10,000 (0.6%) over guideline. Main drivers are $41,000 salary budget shortfall from FY25 and outdated technology infrastructure requiring replacement.

Library is significantly understaffed compared to similar-sized libraries, with Wakefield having $250,000 more in salary budget. Powers proposes reducing hours by 9 hours starting July to consolidate staff coverage rather than cut positions.

Public computers from 2018, outdated software including Windows 10 past end-of-life, mix of incompatible systems. Director developing replacement schedule to spread costs over multiple years.

Health Director Heidi presented budget under guideline, with shifts including moving hazardous waste and mosquito control from Select Board to Health Department budget. Added naloxone distribution program and conducted 20 vaccine clinics.

Department leverages extensive grant funding and volunteer programs including CERT team (equivalent to 1.5 FTE staff), Great Meadows Regional Collaborative, and various federal/state grants for enhanced services.

Town has over $200,000 in opioid settlement funds with community survey completed to determine spending priorities. Funds support regional substance abuse prevention coordinator position.

Discussion of vaping problems in Bedford high school and middle school, including existing vape detectors and diversion programs. Board explored proactive education versus reactive measures.

Update on ongoing air quality research regarding ultrafine particles from airport operations, with potential funding through Massport's Community Advisory Committee (MCAC) for sensors and analysis.

Discussion of various tick-borne illnesses including Lyme disease, Alpha Gal, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Powassan virus. Board explored monitoring capabilities and education efforts.

Comprehensive presentation of FY27 capital budget totaling $6,785,700 (47% less than prior year), covering DPW, facilities, schools, IT, fire department, and CPA projects.

Major DPW items include Carlisle Road pump station upgrade ($1.4M shared with developer), front-end loader replacement ($210K), large mower replacement ($160K), and water infrastructure improvements.

School capital items include equipment replacement, flooring repairs for trip hazards, intrusion alarm updates, and JGMS boiler design work ($350K). High school boiler replacement was deferred 7-10 years after evaluation.

Discussion about interactive smart boards for classrooms, including inventory tracking and replacement schedule. Committee requested detailed breakdown of how many have been replaced, costs, and remaining needs.

Clarification that boiler replacement requires comprehensive design work for entire HVAC systems, not just individual units. Design work must be school-specific and includes energy efficiency components for potential future electrification.

Discussion of splitting large projects into design and construction phases across fiscal years to maintain budget flexibility and avoid over-committing funds in single years.

Examples provided of costs from delaying capital expenditures, including $15,000/month truck rental when DPW vehicle replacement was deferred and accumulated infrastructure maintenance backlogs.

Review of town's bonding capacity relative to debt service guidelines. Town is approaching policy limits but no bonding needed this year due to smaller capital plan.

Discussion of coordinating with new developments to ensure adequate water, sewer, and infrastructure capacity. Monthly interdepartmental meetings address development impacts and developer contribution requirements.

Guidance on improving public presentation of hybrid vehicle purchases to avoid perception of discretionary spending at town meeting.

Water main improvements and meter replacements discussed in context of potential transition to monthly billing cycles with 13 zones throughout town.

Update on federally mandated lead service line inspections. No lead found to date, with budget allocated for replacement if discovered during required inspections.

Explanation that purchasing two ambulances two years apart was intentional to lock in vendor pricing for both units, providing cost savings.

Confirmation that current CPA-funded design work for front fields and parking area will not conflict with broader park redesign being considered by Recreation Commission.