Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon budget proposes $116.8 million as employee health insurance spikes; town weighing move to State plan
Summary
The Board of Finance presented a FY 2026/2027 general fund proposal of $116.8M driven largely by a 34.9% projected increase in employee health insurance costs; officials are considering joining the State Partnership Plan to mitigate the spike. Referendum is May 13, 2026.
Avon’s Board of Finance presented a proposed FY 2026/2027 general fund budget of $116,842,868 and emphasized that employee medical insurance is the primary driver of the tax levy increase. Town Council Chair Dan Polhamus told the hearing that health insurance costs are “just extraordinary this year” and said, “it is almost certain at this point that we will be moving over to the State insurance plan for our employees.”
The budget package calls for a General Fund total increase of $5,200,906 (4.66%), with the Board of Education operating budget proposed at $77,747,362 (a $4,940,786 increase) and town operating costs rising to $31,842,493. Staff presentations to the Board highlighted an overall projected medical insurance rate increase of 34.9% year over year, including a nearly $1.5 million annual cost from a catastrophic claim denied by the stop‑loss insurer. Board materials note options under consideration to mitigate costs, including the State Partnership Plan effective 7/1/26. No vote was taken at the hearing; the process continues with a budget workshop April 8, an annual meeting May 4, and a referendum on May 13, 2026.
