The meeting began with discussions around a substantial 20% increase in health insurance rates for city employees. This decision followed an unexpectedly high number of claims totaling nearly $4 million, prompting Blue Cross to initially recommend a 24% increase. The city managed to negotiate a slightly lower rate after considering the impact of various factors, including procedures delayed due to the pandemic and the rising prominence of mental health issues and substance abuse in the claims data. The mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining a financially stable health insurance trust fund, particularly given the city’s self-insured status. The committee also explored alternate insurance options, such as the Select Plan, which provides coverage only within Massachusetts and presents a lower increase of 15%, offering employees some flexibility to switch plans if necessary.

Further complicating the insurance landscape was the city’s decision to align the insurance plan year with the fiscal year—an adjustment intended to simplify budgeting and hiring decisions for the school department. This change resulted in a short insurance year, running from October 1st to June 30th. Discussion ensued about evaluating alternative insurance carriers, with past evaluations of the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) showing a potential 27% cost increase.

The committee then turned its attention to a proposed grant agreement lease with the CAC, aimed at relocating its services to a newly renovated portion of the Waterford Community Center. This agreement involves transferring space to the CAC for a nominal fee of one dollar annually, allowing the organization to avoid prevailing wage requirements for renovations. The CAC, recognized for its contributions to the community, including food and clothing assistance programs, has seen a 63% increase in demand over the past year. The lease is designed to provide the CAC with a more accessible space.

The discussion also addressed the future of the Pleasant Street building, which would be vacated by the CAC and the senior center. Evaluations to determine whether to sell or repurpose the building are underway, and the committee highlighted the importance of maintaining the building to avoid deterioration. Options for renaming the new senior center wing as part of ongoing considerations were also explored.

The committee briefly discussed city property valuations, with the mayor presenting data indicating a consistent increase in property values, consistent with trends across the Commonwealth. The average single-family home in Gardner is now valued at $344,779, up from $326,885 the previous year. The New Growth figure for the city, driven by new constructions and additions, was also discussed, although it was the lowest since 2015 due to factors like high interest rates and inflationary construction costs.

Finally, the committee reviewed an ordinance to amend the city’s administrative legislation. A redline version of the document will be prepared to illustrate changes, with plans for clear communication to ensure transparency. The mayor’s intent to address traffic ordinances at an upcoming meeting was also noted, with these likely to be reviewed by the finance committee.