Bedford Town Council Seeks More Feedback on Proposed Budget

Of the seven Bedford Town Councilors who helped piece together and trim the proposed 2013 municipal budget, several expressed disappointment that more residents didn't attend and speak at the first of two public hearings on the budget.

Tonight, the Council convenes for a final review of the municipal operating allocation prior to sending it to voters in March. The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the BCTV Bedford Town Meeting Room.

The total requested operating budget appropriation is $25,929,418 and the anticipated 2013 tax rate is $4.65 per $1,000 assessed valuation, or $1,395 on a $300,000 home.

That number represents a 30-cent increase per $1,000 assessed valuation, as compared to last year's rate, a reality that chairman Bill Dermody explained is due entirely to bonded infrastructure payments and a rise in state obligations.

Kent Messamore, one of two residents to speak at the Jan. 9 public hearing, pleaded with councilors to limit administrative positions in town.

"I'm a retired person and every year the tax rate goes up," he said. "I moved here in 2004 and my taxes have doubled since then and I'd like to say to the board to do everything you can because I don't get a raise this year.

"I certainly appreciate the addition of a new policeman here in Bedford and a new fireman here in Bedford, but I hate the word administrator," added Messamore. "Administrators are, in my opinion, paperwork and paperwork doesn't really help the town."

For more information, check out the 2013 Proposed Budget Handout.

Other agenda items

Tonight's Bedford Town Council agenda also includes an update on the proposed agreement between the town and the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, which was formally rejected by representatives of the farm yesterday.

In addition, the Council will hear an update from the Bedford Village Common Development Committee, will approve the acceptance of electronic payments and will likely schedule public hearings for the acceptance of a Homeland Security Grant and on an initiative petition on the Bedford dog park.

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