Stoughton’s fiscal landscape for the coming year faced a stark reality Wednesday night as the Finance Committee grappled with a projected $14 million health insurance obligation. Human Resources Director Deanna informed the committee that the town is bracing for a $2 million increase in insurance costs for fiscal year 2027, driven largely by a staggering 65 percent rate hike for the retiree Aetna plan that took effect in January.

Deanna explained that the spike was fueled by high Medicare plan utilization and adjustments related to the federal Inflation Reduction Act. To manage these costs, the town continues to offer an opt-out program, paying $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for families who secure insurance elsewhere. Currently, 27 families and 11 individuals participate in the program. Addressing the transparency of the figures, Arnie Feinberg asked why the formatting of the insurance budget had changed from previous years. Deanna noted that the new breakdown separates active and retiree plans to provide more clarity, adding that the town currently pays 70 percent of active plan premiums while employees cover 30 percent.

The meeting opened with a pointed statement of personal privilege from member Johna Rosenblatt, who addressed a previous dispute regarding her choice of language during committee business. Rosenblatt described the criticism of her vocabulary as incredibly hypocritical, noting that town officials had previously failed to gavel a member who told her to shut the F up. Defending her use of specific terms found in Title VIII of the U.S. Code regarding immigration, Rosenblatt said, I don't have to acquiesce to having my constitutional right to free speech infringed upon. Our focus needs to remain on the business of the committee.

The committee then shifted to a marathon review of department budgets. Gilda Pereira, Assistant to the Town Manager, presented the centralized purchasing and procurement budgets, totaling approximately $244,000. These funds cover town-wide supplies like paper and copier leases, as well as mandatory Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) training. When Mark Struck inquired if animal control phone costs could be consolidated to save money, Town Manager Thomas Calter noted that the Police Chief is investigating a host of issues surrounding that specific line.

Town Manager Calter also presented the Town Clerk’s budget, which carries a modest 1.72 percent increase. Discussion quickly turned to the upcoming elections, where temporary wages are set to rise due to a $1 per hour pay increase for poll workers—their first raise in five years. While reviewing the election budget, both J. Wolk and M. Struck recused themselves due to their roles as poll workers. Addressing security concerns raised by A. Feinberg, M. Struck clarified that the town’s voting machines have no connection to the computer or the internet.

The Town Moderator presented a budget that includes $2,000 to facilitate childcare through the YMCA for members attending Town Meeting and another $2,000 for parliamentary guidebooks for precinct chairs. Member John Walsh, who chairs the Municipal Operations Committee, noted his frequent attendance at hearings compared to administrative staff, while the Moderator thanked the Clerk’s office for their ongoing support. During the HR budget review, Chair Carolyn Campbell questioned a salary discrepancy for an office assistant, which was reportedly hired at a market rate higher than the original $52,000 budget. Deanna confirmed the adjustment was made upon hiring by the Town Manager.

Technology remains a significant capital priority, with IT Director Trish requesting $70,000 to replace the town’s aging end-of-life wireless access system with equipment that matches the school department’s infrastructure. Additionally, a $150,000 request was made for the Water Department to finalize the town-wide meter upgrade project, which aims to improve billing accuracy and eliminate online payment fees. Under the IT budget, Ian Turlin suggested further centralizing all town telephone lines, though Calter noted that most are already handled through centralized purchasing unless specific departmental needs dictate otherwise.

Regional education assessments also saw increases. Southeastern Regional School District representative Robin Zoll reported that Stoughton’s enrollment has risen to 117 students, contributing to a required local assessment of approximately $1.3 million. J. Walsh praised the value of the vocational system, noting that plumbers and electricians make good money and that the statewide demand for such schools is surging. Similarly, the Norfolk County Agricultural assessment rose by over $20,000 due to one additional Stoughton student joining the program.

Public concern surfaced during the review of Article 17, which involves the Washington Street sewer main and the decommissioning of the Sumner Ridge pumping station. Resident Lisa Lyons questioned the total project spend to date and voiced strong opposition to a proposed roundabout at Route 27. I don't know how many times we're going to reinvent the wheel, Lyons said. Calter responded that MassDOT has prioritized the roundabout, arguing that it is better for the town to cooperate on the design now rather than have the state impose a plan later. A. Feinberg shared the skepticism, stating he was worried the town was turning into one big Boston and citing traffic as the reason he recently switched hardware stores.

Procedural steps were taken to ensure the budget process remains on track for the May 4 Annual Town Meeting. Motion Made by J. Wolk to reopen and continue the public hearings for the May 4th Annual Town Meeting. Motion Passed. The committee also addressed a minor clerical error in previous records. Motion Made by J. Wolk to accept the minutes as amended to correctly attribute comments to M. West. Motion Passed.