Albero Public Schools budget hearing highlights rising health insurance costs

The Attleboro City Council meeting held on May 29, 2025, focused primarily on the fiscal year 2026 budget and the pressing issue of rising health insurance costs. During the meeting, officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts between the city and local schools, highlighting a positive partnership that they hope to build upon in the coming year.

One significant concern raised was the anticipated increase in health insurance costs, projected to rise by approximately 14 to 15 percent. This increase poses a challenge as city revenue is only expected to grow by about 4 percent. The discussion emphasized the broader implications of these rising costs, which are affecting all municipalities across Massachusetts.

A representative from the school committee pointed out that if current trends continue, health insurance could consume a substantial portion of the budget, potentially reaching 20 percent in a few years. This would severely limit discretionary spending, which currently makes up only 3 percent of the budget. The representative urged the council to collaborate with the administration to address these systemic issues once the budget is finalized.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the outgoing director of finance for the Attleboro Public Schools, who will be transitioning to a new role. The director expressed appreciation for the support received from the city and emphasized the importance of addressing the health insurance crisis to ensure sustainable budgeting in the future.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the need for strategic planning and cooperation among city officials to navigate the financial challenges ahead.