Billerica Select Board unanimously backs patrolmen's contract, advances four warrant articles

BILLERICA -- October 1, 2024, Billerica Select Board endorses patrolmen's union contract and three other warrant articles ahead of Town Meeting. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend Articles 4, 8, 10, and 31 to Town Meeting, with the most discussion surrounding Article 8, which funds a collective bargaining agreement with the Billerica Patrolmen's Union totaling $160,000 from general fund free cash in fiscal year 2023, $273,000 in fiscal year 2024, and $402,000 raised and appropriated in fiscal year 2025, with wage increases of 4 percent, 3 percent, 3 percent, and an additional 1 percent cost-of-living bump at the close of FY25. Board member Clancy cited a retention crisis, four officers appeared on civil service transfer lists, and said the contract "brings us 100 percent in line with other communities." The deal also adds body cameras, with Police Chief Frost having applied for a grant toward the cost. A fifth article, Article 32, which would lower town manager experience requirements in exchange for a master's degree, survived a motion to withdraw after Selectwoman Conway and Selectman Riley argued the town meeting body deserved the vote; a staff member currently completing a public administration master's degree told the board two years of required experience is "a little low" for a community of 43,000 and a $250 million budget.