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Norton Select Board approves FY2026 closeout transfers and routine warrants; reports $138,994 in insurance savings
Summary
The board approved roughly $131,800 in end-of-year fund transfers under MGL ch.44 §33B, a package of invoice and payroll warrants, and heard that town health‑insurance initiatives saved an estimated $138,994 this year through opt-outs and high-deductible plan switches.
The Norton Select Board on July 9 approved a package of fiscal actions that included end-of-year transfers, routine invoice and payroll warrants, and heard a report on health‑insurance savings.
Interim town accountant Bill Roe told the board the proposed transfers totaled about $131,800 and invoked Massachusetts General Laws chapter 44, section 33B, which permits certain transfers within the general fund. He said some transfer amounts used a one‑twelfth estimate where final invoices were not yet available; the transfers do not add new appropriations or increase taxes.
After questions from members about salary surpluses and encumbrances, and a clarification that school appropriations cannot be used as a source, the board voted unanimously to approve the FY2026 budget closeout transfers.
Town Manager reported the municipal open‑enrollment effort and plan incentives are estimated to save about $138,994 this year. He attributed most of the savings to family‑coverage opt-outs, noting an approximate $19,237 reduction to the town for each family opt‑out. He also said several employees switched to a high‑deductible plan and the town expects additional savings as enrollment practices evolve.
The meeting also included routine approvals: multiple invoice warrants (26-51, 26-52, 26-53) and payroll warrants (week ending 06/20/2026, week ending 07/04/2026). Motions to approve the warrants were made and seconded; votes were recorded as carried without opposition.
Board members asked staff to provide more detail on specific encumbrances and said they would continue conservative budgeting for next fiscal years to avoid reliance on one‑time balances.
