Joint Finance, Budget & Finance Committee Meeting Considers $10 Million Override for Schools and Services
Budget and Finance Committee Recommends Override, Defers to Town Council on Amount
BRIDGEWATER - April 15 - Officials are considering a potential $10 million override to fund schools, road repairs, and municipal services as the town faces significant budget challenges. During a joint meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee (a Town Council subcommittee) and the Finance Committee, members discussed the proposal and ultimately recommended that the Town Council review the figures and consider reducing the amount.
Acting Town Manager Blythe Robinson presented the override proposal, which includes four components: funding for the school budget, restoring cuts from the town budget, money for road repairs, and funding for additional town positions.
"The school's budget requirements to restore what we've cut from the town budget that is planned for next year. Funding for roads to allow us to make some headway in getting our roads in better shape and lastly, to consider some positions that the town probably should have in its organization to fulfill its various purposes," Robinson said.
The largest portion of the override, approximately $6 million, would go toward meeting the town's share of the school committee's certified budget for next year. An additional $723,000 would restore cuts from the town budget to prevent eliminating positions and making expense cuts.
Councilor Fred Chase expressed support for the override, noting that the town has historically underfunded schools.
"Having served on the Council for a number of years now, one of the most regrettable annual experiences I've encountered is during the annual combined joint session between the Town Council and the school committee, when we learn about the school committee's requests for the budget for the coming fiscal year," Chase said. "Year after year after year, I've witnessed the council not appropriately fund our schools."
Chase added that the town spends "considerably less than most other towns in the Commonwealth" on schools and other services, and that the override is necessary to address these longstanding issues.
However, several committee members expressed concerns about the total amount and suggested modifications to the proposal.
Councilor Mary McGrath suggested removing the $2 million for road repairs from the override and handling it as a debt exclusion instead.
"I have to agree with my fellow Councilor Murphy that the $2 million for the roads should be a debt exclusion," McGrath said.
Finance Committee member Mark Thomas agreed with separating the road funding but emphasized the importance of addressing school funding.
"I think the Council, you know, if you want to get this passed and it needs to go up for vote, but I think you need to consider the lower ask from the school and focus on the school part of it," Thomas said.
Thomas also highlighted the impact of underfunding on the school system, noting, "I'll say as a parent, a graduate and a son of graduates of Bridgewater-Raynham that we're not doing right by the children or the staff."
Finance Committee Chair MJ Spagone suggested that the road funding should be handled differently.
"I personally feel that the funding of roadway repairs in an override is short sighted. Roadway repairs should be something that should be done on a bond or a debt exclusion because it is a long term project with a long term goal," Spagone said.
During public comment, District 1 Councilor Sonya Striggles presented an alternative proposal with a lower total of approximately $7.8 million, which would still fully fund the school request while including funding for police, fire, library, and Council on Aging services.
The Budget and Finance Committee ultimately voted to recommend that the Town Council place an override question on the ballot but left the specific amount for the full Council to determine.
Budget & Finance Committee Chair Councilor Mark Linde expressed concerns about the impact on taxpayers, particularly senior citizens, but acknowledged the need to fund schools.
"I fear that we will have senior citizens that can't afford to live in Bridgewater anymore. But I also have always felt that it's one generation's responsibility to pay for the next generation," Linde said.
The last time Bridgewater voters approved an override was 15 years ago in 2010, following several failed attempts during the Great Recession.
The Budget and Finance Committee scheduled an additional meeting for 6 p.m. next Tuesday (April 22nd) before the regular Council meeting to further discuss the override numbers.
The Town Council is expected to make a final decision on whether to place an override question on the ballot and determine the amount at an upcoming meeting.
This is an AI generated news article. Please contact bridgewaterraynhamnews@gmail.com with any accuracy concerns.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of BTV and the Town of Bridgewater.