West Brookfield Select Board Approves Health Insurance Opt-Out Program

Select Board · Meeting of April 28, 2026

West Brookfield Select Board unanimously approved an employee health insurance opt-out program and heard urgent resident concerns about the school override vote at its April 28 meeting. Treasurer-collector Julian presented the program, under which employees who show proof of alternate coverage can receive $5,000 per year for opting out of the town's family health plan or $2,500 for an individual plan; a single family-plan opt-out would save the town $18,000 after the incentive payout, though the town's premiums rose roughly 14 percent this year. The board also approved one-day alcohol pour licenses for Hardwick Winery, Ragged Hill Cider, and Agronomy Farm Vineyard at the May 16 Asparagus Festival and authorized the White Christmas event for December 6.

During public comment, resident Donna pressed the board on social media misinformation — including rumors the town plans to sell West Brookfield Elementary to a data center — and asked for clearer public messaging; board members explained that a $1.6 million override would fund level-service schooling without guaranteeing the school stays open, while the lower $1.1 million option covers the minimum assessment and town departments.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of April 28, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.