Middleboro’s Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to sign a memorandum of agreement with the clerical and council on aging unions, which includes no wage increase for the current fiscal year and a change in health plans that will bring savings to the town. Town Manager Charles J. Cristello told selectmen that the unions agreed to incorporate the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association Health Options Plan, which is less costly and brought a savings of $1.3 million to the town.

The town also agreed to extend the new reimbursement program to the other town and school unions that have agreed to the new plan as well as non-union employees. The contract covers the period from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012. The town pays 80 percent of the health care coverage and the employee pays 20 percent.

Selectmen also approved a memorandum of agreement with the Library Union and Department of Public Works Union, who agreed to amend their contract to include the new health insurance provisions.

Source: Taunton Gazette, March 21, 2011