Committee reviews revenue, health‑insurance and pension assessment updates ahead of FY26

Town finance staff walked the committee through updated revenue and fixed‑cost projections that informed the FY26 guidance vote.

Frank reported that the unemployment trust‑fund fixed‑cost forecast was revised from $50,000 to $25,000 after director review, which produces modest savings. He said the Tri‑County school assessment increased by one student, adding about $25,000 to the FY26 school assessments; the committee noted that the assessment for Medfield’s new school building is treated separately in the capital assessment fund.

On health insurance, staff presented an updated spreadsheet with corrected family and individual formulas and revised head counts; the package shows an estimated FY26 cost increase of about $527,000, or roughly 10.66%, based on an assumed 10% rate increase that will be finalized in January. Committee members noted the town maintains about a $200,000 buffer in the health line to smooth transitions from turnover and plan changes.

The committee also discussed the County retirement assessment. Frank said the County Retirement Board is offering a 2% discount for towns that pay the assessment in a single July payment; Medfield historically pays in July and the discount was incorporated into the guidance assumptions, with estimated savings of roughly $60,000. Members cautioned that the long‑term assessment outlook remains uncertain and additional analysis and a county meeting are scheduled in January.

Committee members asked staff to provide supporting spreadsheets and to finalize a small list of assumptions (rate percentages and timing) when the state and County figures are confirmed.