Flagpole Funding Discussion at Bridgewater Town Council Meeting
$25,000 request for new flagpoles raises questions about timing amid budget constraints and override discussions
BRIDGEWATER - April 8 - The Bridgewater Town Council is considering a $25,000 transfer order to fund new flagpoles outside the Academy Building, a proposal that sparked debate during Tuesday’s meeting as the town simultaneously grapples with a potential tax override and budget constraints.
Town Manager Blythe Robinson presented the request, explaining that the original budget of $20,000 had increased to $23,000 to ensure proper hardscaping and electrical work around the flagpoles. The additional funds would provide a contingency for any unexpected costs during construction.
"We realize that there's a fundraising effort going on and we're thrilled about that," Robinson said. "But we don't know at this point how much it's going to raise."
The flagpole discussion comes as the Council also considers three flag-raising resolutions for Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Purple Heart Month.
Robinson noted that if the Council wants the flagpoles installed by June 1, work needs to begin soon, requiring the appropriation to move forward. She suggested that if more than four Councilors had concerns about the expenditure, they should consider tabling the item rather than referring it to committee.
"If you want to wait until that fundraising can cover the whole thing, we certainly understand that," Robinson said. "But we wouldn't be able to have this done for June 1st."
Councilor Adelene Ellenberg questioned the cost to taxpayers, noting that even with the ongoing fundraising efforts, residents would still bear a significant portion of the expense.
"If the total cost is $25,000, that would be correct," Robinson confirmed when Ellenberg asked if taxpayers would be responsible for $15,000 of the cost, assuming fundraisers reach their $10,000 goal.
Council President Kevin Perry provided an update on the fundraising progress, stating that between $2,500 and $3,000 has been raised so far, with fundraising efforts continuing through the month.
Councilor Johnny Loreti expressed concern about the timing of the expenditure given the town's financial situation.
"In the spirit of waiting for more fundraising, I would motion to table," Loreti said. That motion failed, and the Council ultimately voted to refer the item to the Budget and Finance Committee and Finance Committee for further review.
During public comment, several residents addressed the flagpole issue. Janet Hanson of Pleasant Street questioned the cost.
"I thought having three flagpoles, I think was three, is a good compromise. I just don't understand why it costs $25,000 to put them up," Hanson said.
The flagpole discussion was part of a broader, ongoing conversation about flag displays in town. The Council also considered three flag-raising resolutions for Pride Month, Juneteenth, and Purple Heart Month.
Maya Riley, a senior at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School and Vice President of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, spoke in support of the Pride flag raising.
"Events that seem so small and simple, like the one-day ceremony where a flag is raised up, have a lasting impact on the youth of the town," Riley said. "Watching members of the community come together to celebrate the raising of a flag symbolizes so much and is unforgettable."
Steve Black of Legge Street also supported the flag raisings for Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ communities.
"These flags send a clear message. Bridgewater is a safe, welcoming place for all," Black said. "They represent the values we strive to uphold as neighbors and fellow residents."
Councilor Sonya Striggles emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition of raising these flags.
"When you've done something now for four years and it's been meaningful to your fellow residents and has created an inclusive environment, there is nothing negative about having an inclusive environment," Striggles said.
Councilor Fred Chase, who drafted the original flag-raising ordinance five years ago, expressed satisfaction that the Purple Heart flag would join the Pride and Juneteenth flags.
"That's exactly what the ordinance was intended to do," Chase said. "For those of you who have never read the ordinance, I would urge you to do so because it actually very carefully explains that there are other flags that could be considered for approval by the Council."
Ellenberg raised concerns about potential future flag requests, suggesting the Council should be selective about what flags are approved.
"We shouldn't just be opening it up to everything because God forbid someone wants to fly a Nazi flag, which they did in Skokie, Illinois," Ellenberg said.
Chase responded that the ordinance provides for Council approval of all flags, giving the Council discretion over what can be displayed.
The Council voted to keep all three flag resolutions at the Council level for further consideration at their next meeting.
The flagpole funding request and flag resolutions were part of a marathon meeting that lasted well past midnight and included discussions on the town budget, a potential tax override, and a tax increment financing agreement for a development project on Broad Street.
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Watch the complete meeting courtesy of BTV and the Town of Bridgewater.