East Bridgewater Select Board Approves DPW Union Contract
Seeks Relief from Retirement Assessments
EAST BRIDGEWATER - November 24 - The East Bridgewater Select Board approved a new contract with the Department of Public Works Union Local 653 on Monday while directing Town Administrator Charlie Seelig to seek alternative retirement funding schedules from Plymouth County to ease budget pressures threatening town services.
The Full Story
Following executive session negotiations, the board voted unanimously to approve the DPW contract. Seelig confirmed existing budget allocations cover the agreement’s costs without requiring additional appropriations.
The board’s more consequential decision may prove to be its authorization for Seelig to request alternative retirement funding schedules from Plymouth County. Current payment structures require large annual assessments through 2031, dropping approximately 95 percent in 2032 when the system reaches full funding.
Seelig will request schedules showing assessments if the deadline extends to 2033, 2034, 2035, and beyond—what he called a straightforward mathematical exercise allowing informed discussion. He’ll also contact all retirement system member communities encouraging similar requests.
Chair Peter Spagone Jr. noted East Bridgewater faces lower retirement assessments than many member communities but emphasized the strain on town services. He referenced upcoming budget discussions in Hanover and Rockland focused on the same pressures, describing multiple South Shore towns in a financial crunch. While acknowledging that extending payment schedules increases total interest costs, board members agreed preserving near-term jobs and services justifies exploring the option.
The board approved three positions for a new Veterans Tax Work-off Program authorized at a recent special town meeting. Veterans Director Chris Buckley said the program mirrors the existing senior tax work-off, allowing qualifying veterans to work up to 100 hours for a $1,300 tax credit. Positions span multiple departments with assignments based on individual skills.
Buckley reported the previous day’s turkey distribution gave away 833 turkeys—double last year’s total. The event coordinated police, fire, CERT, and Crocetti’s Market, with arrangements for missed pickups through Wednesday.
The board approved accepting dumbbells and barbells donated by the YMCA for a fire department health and wellness program. Fire Chief John Dzialo said the equipment arrived at an opportune time. Seelig noted the town assumes liability for exercise injuries but expects improved fitness will reduce on-the-job injuries overall.
In routine business, the board revised personnel policy to grant non-union employees a full day off on Christmas Eve rather than a half day, matching union contracts. The board also designated Human Resources Director Rebecca Johnson as the town’s voting representative at the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association meeting on January 24, 2026.
Property owner Tim discussed purchasing town-owned Parcel 76-4 adjacent to his land. Town Assessor Paula Wolfe explained the 1835 deed requires extensive surveying and legal work to establish boundaries before any sale. The property owner offered to fund all surveying and deed preparation costs. Wolfe estimated the work needs a material appropriation at May’s annual town meeting, noting the parcel has limited value without street frontage. The board directed staff to continue developing a solution allowing the owner to finance necessary legal work.
Craig Winsor appeared with Historical Commission Chair Dale Julius to discuss donating a third-acre parcel at 378 Plymouth Street. Winsor explained his family acquired the property in 1986 to preserve a historic home site, completing $30,000 in subdivision work to isolate it. As a subdivision condition, the family committed to donating the parcel containing a 1975 town historical marker.
Dale Julius described the area’s rich colonial history, including the Carver Cotton Gin site (originally an 1842 foundry), Robert Latham House marker, Azor Harris House marker, Sachem Rock, and an ancient fish weir. The Latham House was burned during King Philip’s War. Seelig clarified the Historical Commission can accept the donation under state statute without Select Board approval, though the board received briefing. The family will pay recording fees.
The board tabled the Municipal Empowerment Act after members disagreed on supporting it. Vice Chair Julius argued the legislation provides helpful optional revenue tools requiring voter approval, particularly the meals tax. Board member Katherine Mullen countered the bill inappropriately shifts tax burdens to municipalities rather than addressing inadequate state aid, potentially giving the state cover to avoid increasing local aid. Chair Spagone requested additional research time, scheduling continued discussion for December 8.
Board members discussed constituent concerns about the November 18 special town meeting, where residents felt the moderator’s handling of “move the question” procedures was inconsistent and limited public comment on the school project. Residents from both sides reportedly expressed frustration. The board agreed to consider inviting Town Moderator Robert Looney to discuss his approach to managing town meeting debate.
The board swore in Barry Ryan as the town’s newest firefighter. Ryan, a 2017 East Bridgewater High School graduate and town resident, recently earned his paramedic certification. Town Clerk Kathleen Cavanagh administered the oath in a ceremony attended by Ryan’s family and colleagues.
The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session for union negotiations.
Why It Matters
Plymouth County retirement assessments could determine East Bridgewater’s ability to maintain services and avoid layoffs. If the system extends its full funding deadline, the town reduces near-term budget pressure by spreading payments across additional years—at the cost of higher total interest. The outcome, combined with other communities’ responses, may determine whether regional municipalities can collectively negotiate alternative schedules or must absorb increases through service cuts. For residents, this could mean the difference between maintaining current staffing levels in police, fire, and public works versus facing service reductions.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve minutes of October 27, 2025, November 10, 2025, and November 17, 2025 Select Board meetings. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp not specified in transcript)
Motion: Approve but not release minutes of October 27, 2025 Executive Session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp not specified in transcript)
Motion: Accept donation of dumbbells and barbells from YMCA to Fire Department. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 47:27)
Motion: Revise Personnel Policy Section C, Leave Benefits, Section 1, Paid Holidays to change Christmas Eve from half-day to full-day holiday. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 48:14)
Motion: Delegate Rebecca Johnson as voting member at MIIA Members Annual Business Meeting on January 24, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 48:58)
Motion: Approve Veterans Tax Work-off Proposal establishing three positions. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 32:54)
Motion: Authorize Town Administrator to send letter to Plymouth County requesting alternative retirement funding schedules and to contact member communities encouraging similar requests. Outcome: Approved by consensus. Vote: No formal vote recorded. (Timestamp: approximately 51:00-52:44)
Motion: Approve Memorandum of Agreement with DPW Union Local 653 and authorize Town Administrator to sign on behalf of the board. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:11:40)
Motion: Enter Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(2) for non-union personnel negotiations and Section 21(a)(3) for collective bargaining strategy with various unions, with intention to reconvene in open session. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous - Peter Spagone Jr. (Aye), Katherine Mullen (Aye), Carole Julius (Aye). (Timestamp: 1:10:17)
Public Comment
No residents participated in the open forum portion of the meeting. All public participation occurred during scheduled agenda items, including presentations by Craig Winsor regarding the historical land donation and Tim regarding the Parcel 76-4 purchase proposal. Veterans Director Buckley provided updates on community programs but these were staff reports rather than public comment.
What’s Next
Town Administrator Seelig will send letters to Plymouth County Retirement requesting alternative funding schedules extending beyond the 2032 deadline, and will contact member communities encouraging similar requests. The board awaits Plymouth County’s response before determining next steps. The Historical Commission will vote on accepting the 378 Plymouth Street land donation at their next meeting. Town Assessor Wolfe continues working on Parcel 76-4 surveying and deed preparation, with potential May 2026 town meeting appropriation. The board revisits the Municipal Empowerment Act on December 8 after additional research. Members may invite Town Moderator Robert Looney to discuss town meeting procedures. The next Select Board meeting is Monday, December 8, 2025.
Full meeting available via East Bridgewater Community Access Media (EBCAM).