Bridgewater Board of Health Loses Grant, Cuts Hours, Gains New Member

BRIDGEWATER — June 24, 2026 — Bridgewater's Board of Health faces leaner operations after losing a regional public health grant. At the June 24 meeting, Health Agent Eric told the board that Bridgewater is withdrawing from the Halifax Public Health Excellence Grant due to budget cuts, eliminating the food inspector who had supplemented his work and leaving him as the sole inspector starting July 1 at a reduced schedule of 35 hours per week, Monday through Thursday. His administrative assistant will work 20 hours per week. "That's just going to increase my workload," Eric said of the grant loss. The board also heard a tobacco retailer compliance update — no fine appeals have yet been filed, but the Massachusetts Health Officers Association is conducting active statewide inspections expected to generate hearings in coming months. A new member identified as Joe, a retired pharmacist with 49 years of experience and a background in food service, attended his first meeting and was invited to accompany Eric on unannounced food inspections. The board's next meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.