City legal and human-resources staff on Monday gave the Finance Committee an extended briefing on Newton's workers' compensation program, clarified that eligibility was set by a 1984 Board order and recommended further study before any change to coverage.

City Solicitor Ali Giuliani told the committee that public employers have discretionary authority for some categories of workers' compensation coverage and that the City of Newton adopted board order 444-84 in 1984 to outline who is eligible. Giuliani said the board "specifically considered part time employees and explicitly made the decision to exempt them," noting that language added at that time has remained in place.

Human-resources and workers' compensation staff explained how the city's self-insured program operates and provided current caseload numbers. Kelly Brown reported there are about 44 people on workers' comp across several categories (temporary total, permanent total, widow's benefits and partial), and separately noted six police and 10 fire cases handled under 111F coverage for public safety employees. Staff emphasized that employees retain the right to appeal a denied claim to the state Industrial Accident Board.

Councilors asked whether the city has been sued over coverage and whether expanding eligibility would be costly. Officials said they are not aware of successful suits alleging inadequate coverage and that settlements above $5,000 are brought to the council for approval. Staff cautioned that expanding coverage for part-time employees would require actuarial studies, new reserve calculations and planning to cover both medical and lost-time wage exposure under workers' compensation, and that self-insured plans need adequate reserves to absorb any new liabilities.

Members debated whether to refer two outstanding items to the next council term so the incoming administration can consider them. The committee voted to refer both items to the 2026-27 council by voice vote; Chair Gentile and staff said they would confirm procedural rules on referral and report back to the council.