East Bridgewater Board of Health Approves All 2026 Permits, Four Septic Variances

EAST BRIDGEWATER — January 5, 2026 — East Bridgewater Board of Health approves 2026 permits and trims FY27 budget by $1,350. The board, meeting January 5, unanimously renewed food, hauler, installer, mobile food, and body art permits for dozens of local businesses and contractors, including Dunkin' Donuts, Cumberland Farms, and Club X Fitness, with YMCA pool permits conditioned on successful inspections this month. The board also approved four septic system local upgrade variances — including one not on the printed agenda, at 587 Bridge Street — after Health Agent Mike Soares confirmed no deficiencies at any site. A $1,000 consulting invoice for former interim health agent Eric Badger was approved. On the FY27 budget, Administrative Assistant Sandra Abban identified $1,350 in savings by eliminating SHARPS disposal costs, now transferred to the Fire Department, and trimming office supplies — exceeding the town's requested 2 percent non-salary reduction of $204. Vice Chair Rob Lyons raised a more pressing concern: the board's MS-4 stormwater line has been zeroed out, and he warned that "the town's permitting process is at risk" if no funds are available to respond to a septic breach into the municipal sewer system. The board directed staff to schedule a meeting with DPW Director John Hayne and the Finance Committee liaison before the February 2 regular meeting to resolve the question.