The town administrator reported an anticipated 18% rise in healthcare premiums, a concern as the town enters the fiscal year 2027 budget planning phase. The increase, while higher than historical norms, reflects broader trends affecting municipalities statewide. The town will continue to cover 75% of healthcare costs, with employees paying the remaining 25%. Plan design changes, such as adjusting deductibles, are being considered to mitigate this financial burden, but these require union cooperation. The administrator also referenced a position paper by the Massachusetts Municipal Association highlighting fiscal pressures on cities and towns, exacerbated by rising costs and sluggish state aid.

Despite a substantial increase in free cash, primarily due to the reallocation of PEG funds and over $1.6 million in grants, the town is preparing for a decrease in federal grant revenue. Some grants may not be renewed, and others come with more complex requirements than in previous years. The administrator cautioned that Massachusetts municipalities have historically received limited state funding, and there is no indication of increased support in the near future. Consequently, the town is prudently budgeting for a 0% increase in state aid.

In other discussions, the committee reviewed the ongoing Triton School building project. The project is progressing ahead of schedule, with the Massachusetts School Building Authority increasing the projected student enrollment figure used for planning purposes from 730 to 895. Input from educators, students, and parents is being gathered to ensure the new facility meets community needs, with a project completion date projected between 2030 and 2031.