Bedford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bedford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Town Budget Review
Bedford's 2025 audit came back clean, net position hit $105 million, and the Town holds the only Moody's triple-A rating in New Hampshire — which means cheaper borrowing. The 2026 budget uses $1.25 million of fund balance to hold down the tax rate, and the manager wants to keep reserves around 12%.
2026 Town Budget Review
A $39.4M budget is on the March 10 ballot with no council recommendation after a 6-1 vote. If it fails, the town goes into default again — potentially cutting road paving and affecting police and fire staffing. Last year's budget failed by 249 votes.
March warrant article for facilities bonds
The committee wants voters to authorize a pot of bond money — amount TBD — to fix Town facilities, without tying the vote to specific buildings or designs. Prior detailed proposals failed; a roads-style ask passed before. Three-quarters of survey respondents said 'do something' about facilities.
PFAS contamination in wells south of Route 101
The developer wants to skip extending public water even though the site is within the 1,500-foot trigger distance. The chair and others noted PFAS contamination nearby and pushed back hard on the waiver; the Public Works director noted residents constantly ask for water lines.