Kingston town employees and retirees are facing a double-digit jump in health insurance premiums for the upcoming fiscal year, a move that officials warned could strain the town’s ability to stay within state-mandated spending limits. During Monday’s Wage and Personnel Board meeting, Personnel Director Tina informed the board that health insurance rates will increase by 10% for the 2026 fiscal year, though dental rates will remain flat.

The increase comes as the town completes a three-year phase-out of high-cost insurance plans. Member Derek questioned the 10% sticker price, noting that national averages often hover closer to 6% or 7%. Tina explained that the outlook was initially much grimmer, with the Mayflower Municipal Health Group’s broker originally projecting a spike as high as 15.9%. Tina noted that Mayflower utilized approximately $6 million in reserves to buy the rate down to 10% and highlighted the rising cost of weight-loss medications like Ozempic as a primary driver of industry-wide cost increases.

Derek expressed significant concern regarding the impact on Kingston's overall financial health, stating, This line item is over 10% of the budget. It's not sustainable when we are limited to a 2.5% increase plus new growth. Tina agreed with the assessment, noting that some health plans have stopped covering weight-loss riders entirely due to the 40% premium increases they can trigger.

In addition to the fiscal updates, the board moved to significantly tighten the hiring process for senior leadership. Under a newly approved bylaw change, all candidates for department head positions must now undergo a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Kingston Police Department. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to accept the background investigations wording under Section 5D as written. Motion Passed (3-0).

The board also formalized a list of sworn positions that must be officially sworn in per Massachusetts General Law, including the Assistant Treasurer, Building Commissioner, Finance Director, and several other department heads. Chair Jim noted that the new wording clarifies requirements for positions spanning Chapters 40 and 41 of the state code. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to insert the proposed wording regarding sworn positions into Section 5 between 5E and 5F. Motion Passed (3-0).

Cost-saving measures were also applied to specific stipends. With the upcoming retirement of the Sealer of Weights and Measures at the end of the fiscal year, the board voted to reduce the annual stipend for the role from $9,783 to $8,000. Tina explained that the reduction aligns Kingston with comparable communities where the pay is lower. Derek indicated he would notify the Finance Committee of the change to ensure the FY2027 budget reflects the lower rate. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to accept the revised schedules with the reduction of the Sealer of Weights and Measures stipend to $8,000. Motion Passed (3-0).

The board also addressed management accountability by establishing a formal timeline for the Town Administrator to conduct annual performance reviews for department heads. Member Lorraine advocated for a realistic window for the reviews, suggesting they take place after the busy spring Town Meeting season. I want to give them a timeline. Within 30 days is too soon because of the post-Town Meeting workload, she noted. The board settled on a 90-day window. Motion Made by J. [Chair] that the Town Administrator begin conducting annual reviews of department heads within 90 days after Town Meeting. Motion Passed (3-0).

In a final discussion regarding recruitment, Derek proposed a more flexible vacation policy to help Kingston attract senior talent. He argued that the current policy, which often starts new hires at only two weeks of vacation, makes it difficult to recruit experienced professionals. New hires with 20 years of experience are leaving behind 5 or 6 weeks of vacation and coming here to get only 2 weeks. They don't see 3 weeks until they've been here 5 years, Derek said. Jim expressed support for the concept, stating, I'm a firm believer in giving the administration the tools to succeed. I don't have a problem offering 4 weeks to someone with 20 years of experience. The board will research policies in neighboring towns and consult with Town Counsel before revisiting the issue after the May Town Meeting.

The board also approved technical updates to Section 2 of the town bylaws to clarify the definitions of exempt and non-exempt employees and the calculation of overtime. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to accept the three changes regarding exempt employee, non-exempt employee, and overtime definitions. Motion Passed (3-0). A final draft of the town’s Family and Medical Leave policy was also ratified. Motion Made by J. [Chair] to accept the Section 12E Family and Medical Leave final draft. Motion Passed (3-0).