West Bridgewater Select Board Approves $49.2 Million FY27 Budget, Draws From Free Cash

WEST BRIDGEWATER — April 22, 2026 — West Bridgewater Select Board approves a $49.2 million FY27 budget that relies on a $1.7 million free cash transfer to close a structural gap. Town Administrator David Gagne presented the balanced budget, which rises 5.24 percent overall and 4.76 percent on the town side excluding water, noting that state aid produced a net increase of only $98,000 against a $2.1 million spending increase — "that is not a partnership with the state." The board also reorganized, electing Michael Perez as chair and Marcy as vice chair, and ratified Allison Hatch as interim Council on Aging director following the retirement of 15-year director Marilyn Mather. All 29 annual town meeting warrant articles were placed, motions approved, and articles recommended unanimously; town meeting is set for May 11. The board received PFAS litigation settlement checks of $106,000 from Tyco and $44,000 from BASF, both destined for the general fund.