Assembly introduces FY26 budget amendment to cover sharp health-insurance increase

The assembly introduced Ordinance 26-05 to amend the FY26 budget to cover increased health-insurance costs after staff said initial renewal notices indicated a steep rise in premiums. Municipal Manager explained the broker initially proposed a 42% increase, later revised to 37.9%, and that an option with a 33.3% increase was preferred by the school district in the pooled plan. "At first, they were saying 42% increase in cost, then a revised number came back of 37.9% increase," the municipal manager told the assembly during the discussion.

Staff and finance committee members emphasized the importance of retaining a generous benefits package to aid recruitment and retention; the manager noted prior rebates from the Optiflex plan totaling roughly $347,000 over three years that offset prior increases. The assembly voted to introduce the ordinance for first reading and recommended the 33.3% renewal option to align with the school district; the introduction passed by roll call (6 yes).