Bedford officials hope an increase in the town’s share of employees’ health insurance family plan premiums will help level the playing field in hiring and retaining the municipal workforce.
The Select Board on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of almost all of the town’s collective bargaining units that increases the share from 61 to 75 percent, effective July 1.
“This is the key thing to make more in line with other communities,” said Select Board Chair Shawn Hanegan as Town Manager Matt Hanson nodded.
Town Meeting last month approved the insurance budget increase without debate. Hanson said on Wednesday that the impact will be $750,000 in additional spending next fiscal year.
The town’s contribution for an individual premium plan is 82 percent.
The agreement is with educators, school nurses, police, police supervisors, firefighters, and public works employees, as well as town retirees. Hanson noted that the collective bargaining unit of the custodial and maintenance workers still needs to vote on the issue. The town manager said that most of the members of that union are covered under individual plans.
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