Selectmen approve $628 annual increase to town dental plan, raise coverage limit to $2,000

The Candia Board of Selectmen on June 23 approved an increase to the town dental insurance plan that raises annual costs by $628.32 and doubles the plan's maximum coverage from $1,000 to $2,000.

Select Board member (unnamed mover) moved the proposal, saying, "I make a motion that we, increase the dental plan to the proposed plan of an annual increase of $628.32?" A board member called for a second, and the motion was put to a vote.

The board recorded support from Select Board members Stephanie Sue, Brian and Pat during the roll call; the motion was accepted. The board described the change as an improvement to employee benefits that had been discussed at a prior meeting.

Board members noted the cost increase and the higher coverage cap during discussion but did not specify an implementation date or whether the town or employees would absorb the additional premium expense. One board member said, "If we can't afford $628 for our employees, God help us," characterizing the town's responsibilities while another called the change "a no brainer." The transcript does not specify how the increased premium will be split between employer and employees.

The board took no separate formal vote on contribution levels or an effective date in the meeting record. Implementation details and payroll impacts were not specified in the transcript.