Bedford may not have as many households that will struggle to pay their heating oil bills as other towns, but with the severity of the energy crisis the town may still have to start a program for those who will need some help.

Jonathan Zdziarski, a former candidate for the Town Council, appeared before the council at its Wednesday, June 25, meeting to issue the warning. He said rising taxes could make it harder on some families.

“While we all hope that the sacrifices we’ve made to invest in better schools and infrastructure will one day benefit the next generation, many appear concerned the reality of such sacrifices will hit them particularly hard this winter, as the cost of heating oil and propane continues to skyrocket,” Zdziarski said. “At no fault of the council, our current benevolence budget for this year is ill-quipped to handle the need anticipated this winter.”

Zdziarski estimated that the town had about $10,000 in that budget. If the town cannot add to that, he suggests that it could at least make the money go further by using it to purchase heating oil at bulk rates and then distribute it homeowners in need.

Other fuel assistance programs provide little help, offering 100 gallons or less, Zdziarski said. He called for the establishment of a citizens task force or committee to examine the issue and build a Bedford version of those programs, combining contributions from outside charities with the bulk buying power of the town.

“Something’s going to need to give,” Zdziarski said. “There’s just not enough there.” Chairman Mike Izbicki said the council thinks Zdziarski has a good idea, and councilors asked Zdziarski to do more research.

“The town is listening to the voters,” Izbicki said. “We’re looking into it.”

Izbicki could not confirm what the town had in its benevolence fund, but said the town is restricted in what it can do with that money. He doubted the town would be able to purchase oil at cheaper rates and redistribute it, effectively getting itself into the oil business. “There’s certain things we can do and can’t do as a municipality,” Izbicki said. “We can’t restrict competition.”

The chairman said Zdziarski is investigating whether residents can pre-purchase fuel at bulk rates as a private group, instead of tapping into the buying power of the town.

Izbicki said the proposal has already stirred feedback from the public.

“It’s sparking a lot of interest within the town,” he said.