Dover Finance Committee Defers Vote on 3.25 Percent COLA for Town Employees

DOVER — October 22, 2025 — Dover's Finance Committee deferred action on a proposed 3.25 percent cost-of-living adjustment for the town's 67 non-union employees, sending the $167,000 question to a future meeting. Personnel Board Co-Chairs Sue and Urus presented to the warrant committee Wednesday, citing a Boston-area CPI of roughly 3.1 to 3.2 percent, a projected 13.8 percent health insurance premium increase from Blue Cross Blue Shield and HPHC, and an unusual surge in requests to hire above midpoint salary bands — including four separate treasurer searches. Committee members, led by Chair Woody and member Gavin, said they could not evaluate the recommendation without knowing how much fiscal headroom remains in the levy after accounting for health care costs and a pending regional school union contract. Human Resources Director Robin Casino is expected to attend the next meeting, now likely scheduled around the time of the Personnel Board's rescheduled Select Board presentation on November 4.