Showing posts with label finance committee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label finance committee. Show all posts

Friday, June 12, 2026

Finance Committee votes to recommend FY 2027 budget, a minor adjustment to round 2 of Capital Authorizations (audio)

FM #1761 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1761 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 remote. All votes were recorded via roll call.


Quick recap:


Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second 

Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash

Passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget

Special purpose fund

Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0


Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

State law requires separate vote

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds

State law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed 

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second,

Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1

Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"

Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in January

Q on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underway

No money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year 

Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there 

Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no 

Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll call


Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund

ma-franklin.civicplus.com

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0


Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation

lead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery later

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 


Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation

So moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement 

Passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC

So moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA 

Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll call


Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26

So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

No FEMA funds expected


Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grant

So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0


Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other items


The recording runs almost 3 hours, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1761-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-03-26/




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The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208 


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06032026-2346 


My Notes in one PDF - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-xvjEmKCCw_H0m67ex_Dz4l5l6VsorYr/view?usp=drive_link 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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Monday, June 8, 2026

Max helps to recap 3 Town Council meetings in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1759 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1759 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 12 (with School Committee) and the 2 budget hearings (May 20, May 21). Yes, we skipped over the May 13 Council meeting. Oops!



We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Joint meeting with School Committee, strategic plan

  • Budget discussions, questions and answers 

  • Final numbers coming up for the June 10, and then June 17 session

  • June is full of events


The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1759-town-council-quarterbacking-06-02-26/

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Franklin TV videos for replay 






--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


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Sunday, June 7, 2026

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council - FY 2027 budget discussion and vote - June 10 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 10, 2026 = 6:00 PM



1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM
a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA

4. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Transfer of License, Pledge of License & Pledge of Inventory - Om Devitas Market Inc. d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA
b. License Modification - Change of Officers - The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau Restaurant, Located at 466 King St., Franklin, MA
c. Farmer-Brewery Farmers Market License - Rushford and Sons Brewhouse, LLC  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9761/4c-Complete

5. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-25: Adoption of the FY2027 Budget Appropriations
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-25 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9762/5a-Complete

b. Resolution 26-26: Amendment to FY2027 Budget - Council on Aging
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-26 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9763/5b-Complete

i. Control Sheet & Voting Document (clean version)
ii. Staff Memorandum
iii. Control Sheet & Voting Document (notes version)
iv. Resolution - Adoption of Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
v. Revised Appendix A - Town Administrator Revised Budget

c. Resolution 26-27: MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-27 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-28: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-28 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-29: Expenditure Limits for FY2027 on Departmental Revolving Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-29 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-33: Capital Round 2  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-33 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9757/5f-Complete

g. Resolution 26-32: Free Cash to Fire Truck Stabilization Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-32 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9767/5g-Complete

h. Resolution 26-34: Group Insurance Trust Fund Transfer  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-34 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9768/5h-Complete

i. Resolution 26-31: Capital FY26 Enterprise Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-31 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9769/5i-Complete

j. Resolution 26-35 - Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation  (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-35 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9770/5j-Complete

k. Resolution 26-23: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-23 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9771/5k-Complete

l. Resolution 26-24: FY27 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-24 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9772/5l-Complete

m. Bylaw Amendment 26-952: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, §82-6, Schedule of Service Fees - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-952 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9773/5m-Complete

n. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 26-953 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9774/5n-Complete

6. ADJOURN
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc (and supporting documents) also contains remote participation info - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102026-2357 

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Finance Committee votes to recommend FY 2027 budget, a minor adjustment to round 2 of Capital Authorizations (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday, June 3 as scheduled to review the updated FY 2027 budget and vote on it and the measures associated with it. All 9 members participated, 8 in Council Chambers and 1 remotely via Zoom. All votes were recorded via roll call.


The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/FR_5FicbhCM?&t=208


Recap:

Motion to recommend the adjusted FY 2027 budget $ 179,284,565 which uses free cash of $1m plus Second 
Clarification on going from $2.1 to $1.1 for use of free cash
Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-27 MECC Stabilization Transfer to FY27 Operating Budget
Special purpose fund
Moved, second, passes via roll call 9-0

Resolution 26-28 Salary Schedule: Full Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)
State law requires separate vote
So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-29 Expenditure Limits For FY27 on Departmental Revolving Funds
State law requires, dedicated revolving funds for the purpose, expenses adjusted as needed 
So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-33 Capital Round 2
ma-franklin.civicplus.com
So moved, second,
Discussion on use of the auditors to provide some guidance on providing for the claims through June 30 but would be filed after July 1
Need the cash and a plan for an "oops"
Question on the code review for Parmeter, this was a recommendation from the Police Station Building Cmte in January
Q on the Senior Center sprinkler system, vendor selection underway
No money left for the fire truck? The bond anticipation note is in the budget, could be part of the free cash discussion next year 
Not really making capital investments with free cash, just buying time plugging holes here and there 
Motion to amend the resolution by the Parmenter code review and use that for fire truck stabilization account Amendment roll call passes 5 yes, 4 no 
Motion on the resolution as amended passes 8-1 via roll call

Resolution 26-34 Appropriation From Group Insurance Trust Fund
ma-franklin.civicplus.com
So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

Resolution 26-35 Ambulance Transfer and Appropriation
lead time is now 24 months, so the money already ready for it can place the order now for delivery later
So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 

Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation
So moved, second, clarification on the allocation per state requirement 
Passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-24 on amended Project Slate from CPC
So moved, second discussion Q on municipal housing trust allocation from CPA 
Finally the vote passes 9-0 via roll call

Resolution 26-30 Snow & Ice Stabilization Transfer to Operating BudgetFY26
So moved, second, passes 9-0 via roll call 
No FEMA funds expected

Resolution 26-31 Capital FY26 Stormwater Enterprise Fund Appropriation Move $90k for asset management grant
So moved, second, via roll call passes 9-0

0Discussion on the stabilization account balances Any changes to it would be through the fiscal policy which determines the allocations from free cash Timings can affect the balances Audit report is coming in July due to Town Council and schedules and other items



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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Reminder: Very important Finance Committee meeting on the FY 2027 budget and CPA funding

The Finance Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at the Franklin Municipal Building.

Residents are encouraged to follow the discussion and stay informed on Town finances and budget-related matters.

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

Attend remotely via Zoom using the information provided in the agenda packet.

To be broadcast to FRANKLIN TOWN HALL TV for Comcast 9 / Verizon 29 subscribers and to YouTube https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall


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Among the items on the agenda are a review of proposed Community Preservation Act funds for a number of projects

4. Community Preservation Act

a. Resolution 26-23 Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriation and Reservation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/9623/3c-FY27-CPA-Reservations-Resolution-26-23-1

i. 05-18-2026 CPC Agenda Packet   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05182026-2318
These projects were discussed the Community Preservation Committee meeting May 18, 2026. You can watch the video replay here - https://www.youtube.com/live/VK4JHlQ0FPo?&t=74

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walks us through the changes to the updated FY 2027 budget (audio)

FM #1751 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1751 in the series.


This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We recorded our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  


Key topics

  • Updates to the FY 2027 budget

  • Health care overview

  • Final stretch for budget approval

    • Finance Cmte Jun 3

    • Town Council Jun 10

    • Town Council Jun 17


The recording runs about 1 hour & 5 minutes. Let’s listen to our conversation.

Audio link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PJREAiffxNX7eUUsa18hn



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Summary memo on budget changes - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/05/town-administrator-memo-to-finance.html 


Town of Franklin page -  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 


FY 2027 budget page - https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577 


Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 



--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Town Administrator memo to Finance Committee on what changed in the FY 2027 budget

May 29, 2026

To: Finance Committee
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: Revised FY27 Budget

The revised TA budget shows a structural budget deficit of $1,104,132, which is the free cash amount needed to produce a balanced budget without any staff reductions or cuts for the town or schools. This is just shy of half of the deficit the town began the year with.

I have included the entire recommendation by the Finance Committee in the revised calculations. Their recommendation is online here and a net reduction of $196,000 in the budget.


As a reminder, this budget is a blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year. Many factors could alter these numbers throughout the year. We give periodic updates to the Finance Committee on year-to-date expense reports, revenues, state and federal policy impacts and global economics. The Council will look at a final fiscal year budget in November prior to the tax rate hearing, which is required by law.

Staff have provided a Control Sheet/Voting Document with Increase/Decrease columns (with associated notes to transparently and clearly depict what accounts have been altered in the assumptions or revenue or spending). Staff have also prepared a “clean” copy as an official voting document for June 10th consideration by the Council. Major highlights are also listed in this memo.

Revenue assumption changes

● The New Growth assumption has been increased $65,010 due to the full time administrative assistant for the Board of Assessors, which allows all full time appraisers to capture more property value. The increase covers the full cost of the position and health benefits.

● State Aid has been increased $638,405 over Governor Healey’s H2 budget and will follow the Senate local aid numbers (who notably invested $53 million into UGGA, which was a top priority for the Town Council, MMA and many cities and towns statewide).
 
Expenditure assumption changes (increases) major highlights

● $341,180 increase to the Tri-County operating budget (this does not include the debt exclusion building project). Costs went up $1,202 per pupil and the school added 6 students. The total is 186 students.

● MECC assessment increased $74,336.

● Animal Control increased $21,431.

Expenditure assumption changes (decreases) major highlights

● The proposed restored positions, including the two SRO’s, Deputy Town Administrator, Assessors Administrative Assistant and Munis Administrator are effective 10/4/26 as it is impossible to have those positions hired this summer. This saved $147,637.

910 Benefits and Health Insurance major highlights:

Overall, the benefits budget is $459,671 lower than what was anticipated in the original FY27 budget proposal in February.

● A proposed $150,000 reduction in OPEB contribution (made by the Finance Committee);

● Pension and Retirement was reduced $158,491 due to a July 1st pre-pay rebate on the final pension assessment;

● Workers Compensation was reduced $151,800 due to a strong portfolio and large claims coming off the books;

● The Unemployment budget was reduced $21,000 from $171,000 to $150,000. We had originally put in a 14% increase as a hold, but do not anticipate needing an increase.

● Health insurance benefits for all active employees and retirees (both Town and School) are spread out across several different line items within the Benefits Budget (910). When creating the FY27 budget, we assumed a 14% increase across all health insurance related lines. For the ease of discussion, the original health insurance budget for FY27 back in January 2026 was
$15,506,392. After reviewing enrollment data and estimating enrollment based on the GIC data, we are now budgeting for $15,514,010.32. This is an increase of only $21,618.32 over what we had anticipated, which is less than one FTE benefits cost.

● Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 32B, Sections 21-23, municipalities that achieve savings through health insurance plan changes, including joining the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), are required to share a portion of those savings with employees and retirees through the Public Employee Committee (PEC) process (MGL Chap. 32B, Section 19). As part of that process, the Town negotiated an agreement with the PEC to return a portion of the projected savings to subscribers through a one-month premium holiday. The premium holiday is a very common method to share cost savings in Municipalities. This approach allows the Town to realize long-term savings, while also providing a direct financial benefit to employees and retirees during the transition to the GIC. Employees and non-Medicare retirees will not be required to pay their portion of premiums for health insurance in January 2027. This is a one-time cost of $435,781, which will not carry forward into FY28.

Retiree Health Care

Direct comparisons between the original FY26 health insurance budget and the proposed FY27 budget should be viewed cautiously, as mid-fiscal year changes to retiree health insurance costs altered the Town’s actual FY26 costs and complicated year-over-year comparisons.

When the FY26 budget was developed, the premium for the Aetna Medicare Advantage plan for retirees over age 65 was $336.19 per month, with the Town paying 68% of the premium ($228.61) and retirees paying 32% ($107.58). For budgeting purposes, the Town anticipated a 12.5% premium increase effective January 1, 2026, which would have increased the Aetna monthly premium to approximately $378.21. Instead, the actual premium increased to $559.93 effective January 1, 2025 — a 66.6% increase over the original rate. Prior to the reduction of federal subsidies, the Town contribution increased from 68% to 70%, increasing the Town’s monthly share from approximately $228.61 to $391.95 per subscriber, an increase of approximately 71.4%. As a result, FY26 retiree insurance costs were substantially higher than the assumptions used to develop the original budget.

Under the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the most utilized Medicare plan (Harvard Pilgrim Medicare Enhance) premium will decrease to $503.50 per month, which is approximately 10.1% lower than the current Aetna rate. The Town will continue to pay 70% of the cost, which means that the Town will pay $352.45 per subscriber, per month, a savings of $38.55 per month per subscriber ($462.60 annually). For perspective, we will have approximately 470 retirees and spouses on the plan at the 70/30 split (not including the grandfathered “Trust” retirees), which results in a savings of at least $217,422.

While the GIC rates remain higher than the original FY26 budget projection, they are significantly lower than the actual costs currently being experienced, resulting in meaningful savings compared to the Town’s current rates.

Finally, the main reason for the large spike in retiree costs are the reduction or elimination of federal subsidies toward the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare and Medicaid in legislation passed last year by Congress.

PDF version of this memo - 

Full Finance Committee agenda for the June 3, 2026 session - 

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