Bellingham Select Board Approves Health Insurance Changes, Swears In Police Officers

BELLINGHAM — September 8, 2025 — Bellingham Select Board approves $375,000 health insurance overhaul and swears in three police officers. The board unanimously executed a memorandum of agreement with the Bellingham Public Employee Committee on September 8 setting health insurance plan design changes effective July 1, 2026, including increases to the medical deductible from $3,900 to $5,000 and specialist co-pays from $35 to $50, generating an estimated $375,000 in annual savings; roughly $93,000 of that will be returned to the town's approximately 410 subscribers as a one-month premium reduction. The board also promoted John Walden to sergeant and Chris Padulla to lieutenant in the Bellingham Police Department and swore in new patrol officer Timothy Hannon. New Town Administrator Joe Ladley — joining from Upton — was present for his first meeting and was appointed the town's environmental certifying officer by unanimous vote. The board voted to execute an order of taking for the Hartford Avenue roadway improvement project, targeting a spring 2026 construction start, and abated $755.83 from a water bill for an 86-year-old business owner now residing in assisted living after a winter pipe leak went undetected for two days.