DALTON, Mass. — As the town embarks on a challenging budget season, the new town manager has already put forth cost mitigation options. 

 

It has been demonstrated by both the Finance Committee and Town Manager Eric Anderson that this budget season will be full of obstacles and tough decisions. 

 

During the Select Board meeting on Monday night, Anderson explained that the town is going to be very close to its levy limit with the increases in the school district budget, health-care costs, and cost-of-living increase for employees.

 

Health insurance costs are projected to increase roughly 16 to 18 percent for next year, which will be a "big hit" to the town, he said. 

 

The town currently pays about $1.2 million total for employee health insurance. Employees are responsible for around 27 percent of the health-care costs, Anderson said. 

 

The board approved setting the cost of living adjustment for town employees to 3 percent for fiscal year 2027. 

 

The board felt that the 2 percent COLA combined with the 1.75 percent step or grade increase was in line with the consumer price index of about 2.7 percent.