by Frank Schroth
An interesting article in todays Globe discusses compensation for elected officials on the South Shore, For most on town boards, it’s not for the money (note the article is behind a paywall). It surveyed 48 communities. Compensation can include a stipend or salary, reimbursement for expenses, and fringe benefits. As the headline indicates elected officials don’t do it for the money and Milton officials are no exception. But they can enjoy a fringe benefit.
The Globe reports:
Of the 48 communities surveyed by the Globe, 18 pay chairmen and presidents larger sums, ranging from an additional $100 a year for the Board of Selectmen chairman in Sharon to $2,500 more for the council president in Braintree. Seven communities offer stipends for expenses, from $220 in West Bridgewater to $4,800 in Quincy.
Only 15 of the surveyed communities make health insurance available to councilors and selectmen, although not every member chooses to enroll, according to municipal officials.
Milton Selectmen receive a stipend of $1,500 ($1,800 for the chair) according to the article. They can also receive $17,328 in health insurance. This is the second highest of the towns surveyed. Brockton pays up to $18,828. The article does not report if officials are enrolled in the program. You can find the article here. The chart does not appear to be online but can be found in the hard copy version of the paper.
A couple of follow up questions
1 why does Milton offer the health insurance benefit ?
2 can other elected officials, beside selectmen access the same benefit ?
3 does anyone use the benefit ?
4 if yes, how much does it cost the Town ?
No right or wrong answers to the above but just curious
Mr. Burke,
I contacted Town Hall and in answer to your questions:
1. why does Milton offer the health insurance benefit?
Under MGL Chapter 32B – Any employee that works for the town, 20 hours per week or more, is eligible for health insurance.
2. Can other elected officials, beside selectmen access the same benefit?
Yes, any elected official that receives a stipend is eligible for health insurance (MGL Chapter 32B, Section 2.d. This would include the Assessors.
3. does anyone use the benefit ?
BoS member Denis Keohane & Board of Assessor member James Henderson
4. If yes, how much does it cost the Town?
The town portion is 80% of the premium cost. The Town offers two plans Blue Cross/Blue Shield HMO Blue and Harvard Pilgrim. The cost to the Town for the elected officials is approximately $34,920.00.
Thanks Frank for the response.
Appears to be reasonable, given that anyone that works in excess of 1,000 hours per year on town business is legally entitled, by law, to be eligible for town subsidized health care.
I am assuming that the Town Administrator is responsible for keeping track of time worked by eligible employees , right ? Not questioning eligibility, just record keeping.