OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING MINUTES
November 14, 2025
6:00 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Keith Stone, Vicky Stone, Nancy McCrea, Travis Stone, Brianna Stone, Diana Conway, Sarah Barnett, Kaitlin Stone, Wade Janovsky, Stephan Chait, Mike Fournier and Emily Dow.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Hearing of visitors brought to the beginning of the meeting.
HEARING OF VISITORS
No visitors wished to speak.
NEW BUSINESS
Review and Discuss Health Insurance Information
Edwards started out by saying health insurance costs nationwide have been rising faster than inflation, creating widespread challenges. Edwards noted that while these issues can’t be solved locally, the priority should be on ensuring town employees receive the benefits that matter most to them.
Edwards reviewed the town’s health insurance spending against the budget, noting that $144,000 had been set aside the prior year to cover a 5% increase in costs. In the first four months, $62,000 was spent, with projections showing $93,240 for six months under the current plan. This leaves about $81,500 in the budget. Staffing changes after the budget was set will createa $11,787 deficit in FY26. Without changing the plans for the first half of 2026 , continuing with the current plan is expected to result in a $16,812.48 deficit by year’s end.
Edwards reported to the board that her year‑to‑date review of highway department spending, based on 40‑hour work weeks and minimal overtime, showed a $7,800 surplus. She explained that this surplus could be allocated toward health insurance costs or potential salary adjustments.
Edwards reviewed the VLCT Compensation and Benefits summary from the previous year, comparing hourly rates in other towns for positions similar to those in the Halifax Highway Department. She concluded that Halifax’s wages are close to the regional average, indicating that employees are neither overpaid nor underpaid.
The town is facing an expected deficit alongside rising health insurance premiums, prompting discussion of available plans and their costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and MVP both offer small group insurance in Vermont. Keith Stone asked if BCBS still serves the state. Edwards raised concerns about BCBS’s solvency and potential risks, but yes, they are still a valid insurance provider. Edwards questioned MVP’s financial health. Sarah Barnett discovered that a policy number is needed if you want to search for in-network MVP doctors which makes it difficult to switch insurances if needed.
Edwards said Halifax contracts directly with BCBS. Christofferson said Vermont municipalities contract directly with their insurers, BCBS or MVP. Edwards also noted that the Green Mountain Care Board regulates insurers and recently rejected large increases proposed by BCBS and MVP, instead approving a smaller increase.
Pike shared the email he sent to MVP asking about coverage for out‑of‑state doctors and medical visits, noting that Southern Vermont residents often rely on providers across state lines and need continuity with their specialists. MVP responded that it partners with Cigna as an additional provider, and Vermont plans include access to Cigna’s national network. This means members can use Cigna providers when MVP is outside its service area, ensuring broader coverage options for those who seek care beyond Vermont.
Edwards noted that BCBS provides an option to set up Health Reimbursement Accounts to help offset costs and mentioned seeing in the Deerfield Valley News that Dover is continuing with the Platinum plan despite its 5.11% increase.
Christofferson asked about MVP’s history of use in nearby towns and the quality of their customer service, pointing out that BCBS representatives are easy to work with. Marchegiani agreed, adding that BCBS personnel are consistently friendly.
Edwards created and shared the numeric comparison between BCBS Platinum and Gold Plan and MVP Platinum plan. As there are many choices and permutations, please refer to the recording at this link, https://youtu.be/lOt0WXuU954?t=1540 to look at the small group table in greater detail. The table compares the plans deductibles, out of pocket costs, medical costs, and pharmacy Rx costs.
While BCBS Platinum and MVP offer similar coverage, the BCBS Gold plan shifts more costs onto employees. Premiums are rising in 2026, with the BCBS two‑person plan increasing 5.11%. On a calendar year basis, the BCBS Platinum plan would cost the town $196,530.96, while the Gold plan would cost $167,075.52. The $30,000 difference could be redirected to wages, a Health Reimbursement Account, or other uses. Pike raised the issue of employee contributions to maintain the Platinum plan, but Keith Stone argued that employees already contribute as taxpayers themselves and should not face higher costs as employees. He added that funding requests from Brattleboro social services should be cut if Halifax employees are not adequately supported, a point Pike noted others have also expressed.
Marchegiani expressed support for staying with the current plan despite the cost difference, noting that MVP should improve its ability to navigate in‑network doctors before being considered.
Christofferson moved to continue with the BCBS Platinum plan, seconded by Marchegiani, but Pike and Ashcraft abstained, wanting more information about MVP before deciding. Ultimately, the board did vote, and it was 3-0-2 to continue with BCBS Platinum plan. Patty Dow was directed to make sure that BCBS was notified.
FY27 Budgeting Kickoff- Overview, Objectives, Process
Edwards stated that her goal this year is to create a resilient and reality‑based budget that also prepares the town for potential crises. She noted that Brattleboro’s objective is to maintain a sustainable budget. Christofferson agreed on the need for resilience and asked what sustainability means in this context. Edwards explained that Brattleboro anticipated a 4.5% increase but benefited from receiving department budget requests early, which gave them a clearer financial picture and made planning easier.
Christofferson emphasized that her primary concern is the Branch Road Bridge, noting that its cost remains uncertain and the town should be prepared for emergencies by relying on reserve funds. She suggested that unexpected revenue, such as funds from GMP, could be directed into the highway capital fund to purchase equipment, which would save money over time. She also argued that reserve funds should remain tied to their specific categories rather than being placed in the general fund, since keeping them separate offers better protection against unforeseen emergencies.
Mike Fournier raised concerns about the high interest on lease payments and suggested exploring whether reserve funds might be possible. Pike responded that equipment funds are intended to cover such costs, while Marchegiani explained that these funds used to accumulate through hours worked and equipment use.
Christofferson’s interpretation of a sustainable budget is keeping funds directed toward the areas where they are most needed and used.
Marchegiani viewed sustainability as attracting businesses to generate revenue beyond taxpayer contributions.
Ashcraft countered that residents prefer the town to remain unchanged, but her goal is to prevent stagnation.
Pike emphasized efficiency and stability, supporting small cuts only if they do not harm the town.
The last fiscal year ended with a deficit of about $83,000. Christofferson and Patty Dow determined that it was a timing difference for cash flow. See the recording for a shared screen demonstration of this. Edwards stated the current budget needs to cover the deficit as the first item. Edwards said state law changed and it’s easier to put money into reserve funds with a surplus.
The equipment schedule shows five large trucks, the new 6500 and and old GMC pickup. Edwards questioned the necessity of the 5th large truck, which we have referred to as a spare. Pike also questioned needing a spare truck. Fournier explained that the spare is used often when other trucks are being repaired. The board has not yet decided whether trucks will be kept for seven or ten years before replacement, and Christofferson plans to consult the accountant about depreciation schedules. Fournier suggested that purchasing bumper‑to‑bumper warranties and replacing trucks every seven years could be a viable option. Edwards agreed that the long‑term goal is to move toward seven‑year replacements but emphasized the need for a clear schedule. It is undetermined whether the spare truck would still be necessary if all primary trucks were under warranty and replaced more frequently.
The board spent a few minutes discussing budget meetings and agenda items for the next regular selectboard meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57pm.Pike seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/lOt0WXuU954
