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Weston trustees review 2025 draft budget as uncertain health-insurance spike looms
Summary
Trustees were told the general fund is balanced now but a possible 30% health-insurance increase from the insurance coop could add about $225,000 in cost; finance staff said the budget contains an 11% placeholder (~$74,882) while negotiations continue.
The Weston Board of Trustees reviewed the village’s draft 2025 budget at its Sept. 9 workshop and were warned that an unresolved health-insurance increase from the municipal insurance coop could significantly alter the current projections.
Staff told trustees that “the general fund tonight is balanced,” but said final health-insurance figures remain pending. A preliminary number from the coop showed a possible 30% increase; staff said the budget currently includes an 11% placeholder, about $74,882. If the higher 30% rate holds, the village’s additional cost would be roughly $225,000, raising questions about where the extra funds would come from.
Finance staff said they have identified why the coop rate appears high and are negotiating with the insurer to lower it. “They know why it’s at that number and they’re gonna try and work through that,” staff said during the presentation. Trustees asked whether municipalities could exit the coop; staff replied some members are locked into the coop for set timeframes and that HIPAA limits the level of detail staff can disclose about individual members’ claims.
Beyond benefits, trustees reviewed other items in the draft: the Mountain Bay Metro draft budget and SAFER draft, a $175,000 CIP placeholder tied to recently purchased land, and special revenue funds that are largely unchanged from 2024. Staff estimated gross room tax revenue at $540,000 and noted TIF 1 will divide construction expenses on Weston Avenue across two years.
Staff also announced an operational change for animal services: the Humane Society contract will move to Mountain Bay Metro so all four municipalities served by the police department will be covered uniformly. Mountain Bay Metro’s oversight board is scheduled to review its draft on Wednesday; staff emphasized these Metro numbers are still draft figures.
The board set next steps: utilities and remaining funds will return for review at the Oct. 21 final budget review, and trustees will revisit compensation and health-insurance impacts at the next budget meeting.
The board adjourned after confirming future meeting dates.
