Belchertown Tri-Board Meeting (Selectboard, Finance Committee, School Committee) - August 11, 2025

AI Summary: At the August Tri‑Board meeting, Belchertown’s Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee tackled a nearly $900,000 health insurance budget gap caused by steep premium increases and depleted reserves in the town’s insurance trust. Leaving the trust now was deemed impractical, so members focused on a one‑year fix without raising taxes. The leading idea is to cover 60% of the shortfall from the Stabilization Fund as an “internal loan,” with the rest made up through cuts or savings in each budget, then repay the loan over three years using Free Cash. Other tools—like pausing the OPEB contribution, keeping the 60/40 Free Cash split for one more year, and finding small savings—are on the table. Closing Cold Spring School remains a possible future cost‑cut, but not mid‑year to avoid disrupting students. All agreed employee and student stability comes first, and residents will have the final say at a Special Town Meeting after a September 8 joint session finalizes the plan.0:00 Public Comment3:50 Discussion with Finance and School Committee regarding healthcare insurance financial impacts and budgeting options

View Minutes Here: https://www.belchertown.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08112025-1024