Residents press Flemington‑Raritan board to protect taxpayers as insurance costs threaten budget

After the brokers’ presentation, the board opened a public comment period in which residents urged action and clearer public engagement on possible budget remedies.

"We're not here to discuss the teachers. We're here to discuss the insurance," said Ron Kreski, who identified himself as a resident and taxpayer, and argued the board must represent taxpayers facing stagnant wages and rising costs. Kreski said private employers routinely require employees to share increased insurance costs and asked why schools could not pursue similar tradeoffs.

Attorney and resident Katherine Riden (Raritan Township) thanked the board for the presentation and urged use of the Department of Banking and Insurance review process for large rate hikes, noting regulators can require justification for increases. She also asked the board to guarantee that any future special‑election tax question would be shared with voters before being printed on a ballot.

Another resident asked administrators how a forecasted increase would affect the district deficit and last year’s referendum shortfall. The administration said final state‑aid numbers were pending and that a 40% premium increase would be roughly $4 million, a figure under active budget review.

Board members acknowledged the community’s concerns, restated that Chapter 44 constrains local bargaining until its statutory sunset, and said negotiations, procurement and legal limits reduce immediate options. The board then proceeded to an executive session for personnel matters later in the meeting.

Provenance: public‑comment segment, SEG 2022–2291.