Peabody cuts spending

PEABODY – Mayor Michael Bonfanti has spearheaded several efforts in Leather City to reduce spending and brace for the worst in State funding cuts. Last night, city councilors embraced one such effort wholeheartedly.The Council unanimously voted in favor of Bonfanti’s latest request to reduce health insurance costs to the city.”It really is time for us to bite the bullet,” said Councilor Bob Driscoll.Bonfanti suggested that the Council vote to increase the cost of health insurance for elected officials by at least 10 percent.Currently, elected officials, such as municipal light employees and city councilors, pay 10 percent towards their health insurance coverage, whereas the city pays the remaining 90 percent. Under the approved motion made by Councilor Dave Gamache, elected officials will pay 20 percent of their coverage, while the city will only pay 80 percent, as soon as fiscally possible.”I think this Council understands that we’re in trying times,” said Gamache, later explaining that a mere 5 percent increase in cost to subscribers could result in nearly $1 million in savings to the city. “Our precedence says we’re willing to go over and above the unions.”As has been clearly reported in newspapers across the States, members of the Peabody Police union will also contribute more to their health insurance in return for holiday pay on Sept. 11, among other such negotiated items.Bonfanti also spoke earlier this week at The Torigian Community Life Center in response to controversial ballot Question #1. In the upcoming elections, Massachusetts voters will have the chance to eliminate income tax in the state.”I never tell anyone how to vote or who to vote for,” he told the audience. “This is a very important election not only on the presidential level, but here in Massachusetts as well.”He went to say that the passing of Question #1 would have “tremendous ramifications” to the Peabody community, an opinion several other local government leaders across the North Shore share, as well.According to Bonfanti, if the income tax were eliminated, the city’s budget would be reduced by roughly $7 million. A recent calculation by the American Federation of Teachers shows that Peabody schools would lose an estimated $5.6 million in state funding.”This would be devastating to the city of Peabody,” Bonfanti said. “So please, take time and think of the impact this ballot question will have.”