Bedford's unexpected power bill in January puts hold on improvements

The unexpected electric bill to the town of Bedford from January is still having an impact months after.

"You never quite get over the shock," says Charlie Kolakowski, town manager.

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The shock started with a colder than normal winter which pushed the town's electric rates more than $500,000 over budget. For the town's residents it amounts to a few dollars more a month for the average homeowner.

In addition, the town must now wait till next year before proceeding with about $400,000 in improvements. We wanted to see how other departments looked too and it's obvious winter took its toll.

The department of public works budget was literally snowed under.

The town budgets just under $10,000 for snow and ice removal. The actual cost about was $30,000 which is 200% over budget.

When something like this happens, other departments get cut to make up for it.

"We try to keep each department as close as possible," says Kolakowski. "If there are any extraordinary expenses which push a little bit over it usually comes from other departments or other budget line items where we haven't had the need to expend it."

Before making cuts, the town puts a priority on departments such as utilities and public safety.

As for now, town officials say the budget is close to what they expected.