West Bridgewater Finance Committee Unanimously Backs $49.2M FY27 Budget for Town Meeting

WEST BRIDGEWATER — April 23, 2026 — West Bridgewater Finance Committee approves $49.2 million FY27 budget without an override. The committee voted unanimously Thursday to recommend the $49,164,355 operating budget to Annual Town Meeting, relying on a $1.7 million free cash transfer to close a structural gap created by state aid that netted only $98,000 in new revenue against a $2.1 million year-over-year spending increase. Town Administrator David told the committee that roughly one-third of Massachusetts communities have sought operational overrides in fiscal years 2024 through 2026, presenting a map showing 124 passed votes in 65 communities and 94 failed votes in 56. The local schools' budget grew 4.5 percent — the lowest rate in five years — after the School Committee voted April 6 to cut a $72,000 media specialist position, and Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School's assessment fell $90,000 due to lower enrollment, providing unexpected relief. The committee also unanimously recommended all warrant articles, including a home rule petition to merge the Water Department with the Department of Public Works under a single director, a move the administrator said would be cost-neutral but more operationally efficient; if approved by town meeting and the Legislature, the merger would take effect in September 2027. Free cash is now nearly depleted after covering the budget gap and approximately $4.2 million in capital expenditures.