West Bridgewater Boards Form Committee to Advance DPW-Water Leadership Consolidation

WEST BRIDGEWATER — June 10, 2026 — West Bridgewater's Select Board and Water Commissioners voted jointly to form a four-person working committee tasked with drafting governance policies for a proposed consolidation of DPW and water department leadership. Meeting in open session June 10, the two boards — convened for the first time publicly since a Town Meeting article failed that would have converted the elected Water Commission to an appointed body — agreed that DPW Director Phil would serve simultaneously as water superintendent, with a new assistant water superintendent hired beneath him, provided written policies clarifying appointment authority and reporting lines can be finalized by July 15. The committee will consist of Select Board Chair Jeff, Town Administrator David, Water Commissioner Art, and Phil. "At the end of the day, this is the right thing to do for the town right now, bottom line," one Select Board member said. The boards declined to enter executive session to discuss contract terms, with a member saying, "I'm not ready to make a decision at this time." The boards also ratified the hiring of DPW laborers Timothy Bean and Bruce Vadebunker and approved Luke Azak's contract as WBKM station manager.