A citizens petition seeking to amend the town's retiree health insurance premium structure was defeated after a contentious debate. Special Town Meeting Article 10 proposed ending the current practice where retirees pay the premium percentage in effect at their time of hire—often 10%—rather than the 30% rate currently paid by active employees.

Petitioner Richard Ciri argued the current system is unsustainable, noting that many retirees go back to paying just 10% of their premiums, a rate considered minimal with rising health insurance costs straining town finances. Union representatives and several town meeting members strongly opposed the measure, arguing it would damage employee trust and recruitment without providing immediate financial relief. Opponent Dale Webber noted the article delivers zero savings for at least a generation while undermining decades of hard collaborative work.

Motion: To authorize the Select Board to petition the General Court for the amendment.

Vote: Failed 34-112-6