Agenda Preview: Town Council to Tackle School Budget, Union Contract, Oversight Resolution at June 26 Meeting
Special session agenda includes discussion of failed override vote implications, collective bargaining agreements, and call for independent school district review.
The Bridgewater Town Council convenes for a special meeting Thursday evening to address pressing fiscal matters, including the aftermath of a recent override vote and multiple collective bargaining agreements requiring ratification.
The 7 p.m. session at the Academy Building Council Chamber focuses heavily on budget-related items, with the centerpiece being a discussion of the town's fiscal outlook for fiscal year 2026.
Town officials plan to examine the Bridgewater-Raynham School District budget alongside the recent override vote results and their implications for municipal revenues and expenditures. The discussion represents a critical juncture for the community as leaders navigate budget constraints following the override's failure.
The council also addresses three separate orders related to union negotiations and personnel matters. Order O-FY25-068 seeks ratification of a United Steel Workers bargaining contract, while Order O-FY25-069 requests an appropriation transfer for the same collective bargaining agreement.
A third personnel-related measure, Order O-FY25-070, involves an appropriation transfer for non-union affiliated positions. The Finance Committee unanimously supported all three measures at their June 23 meeting, voting 5-0 on each item.
Two appointments await council consideration for the TIF Ad Hoc Oversight Committee for 60-86 Broad Street. Dan Greenberg and Fred Chase are nominated to serve on the committee, which oversees tax increment financing matters for the former Friendly’s property.
The also council considers accepting a donation from the Oliari Charitable Foundation to benefit the Bridgewater Public Library. Order O-FY25-072 received unanimous Finance Committee support, continuing the town's practice of accepting charitable contributions for public services.
However, one agenda item faces uncertainty. Order O-FY25-073 addresses the Town Clerk's salary, but the Finance Committee voted 5-0 to take no action on the matter at their recent meeting, leaving the issue's resolution unclear.
The evening's most significant new business involves Resolution R-FY25-014, which requests an independent operational and financial review of the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District. This resolution signals concerns about the district's management and financial practices among town leaders.
The call for an independent review comes amid ongoing budget pressures and follows the recent override vote, suggesting heightened scrutiny of how educational funds are managed and allocated within the regional district structure.
Citizens have two opportunities to address the council during the meeting. The agenda includes both a Citizens Open Forum early in the session and a Citizen Comments period near the meeting's conclusion, allowing community members to voice concerns and ask questions about municipal matters.
The meeting follows Massachusetts Open Meeting Law requirements, which restrict discussions during public comment periods. Town Manager responses to citizen questions and concerns will be provided at future council meetings when appropriate.
The session is being livestreamed via YouTube, with the link available through the Town of Bridgewater Facebook page, ensuring public access for residents unable to attend in person.
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