Board hears a projected 34% rise in health benefits for January 2027

Dr. Francisco Velez told the board the district has begun work with auditors on the 2025–26 audit and that, separately, the county projects a roughly 34% increase in health benefits effective January 2027. He said the district is awaiting claims data from its insurance broker, Brown & Brown, to evaluate prescription and medical options and to determine whether alternatives in the open marketplace are feasible.

Velez framed the projected increase as an item requiring follow up and budgeting discussion; the finance committee later discussed benefits and related staffing implications. The board did not vote on benefit changes at the meeting; Velez said he would keep the board updated as claims data and options from the broker are received.