ERVING, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Unprecedented health insurance rate hikes are one of, if not the largest financial burden in local towns.

The town of Erving underwent a nearly 20% rate increase for employee health insurance premiums at the start of this fiscal year and another hike of 20% went into effect in October, and yet another similar increase is being considered for January.

The 16% rate hike this fiscal year for municipal employee health insurance in Greenfield was also limiting factor in their budget process, restricting department budget growth.

Meanwhile, state aid is a significantly smaller portion of municipal revenue for Franklin County towns at approximately 11%, compared to the eastern parts of the state who receive on average 26% of their revenue from state aid.

State legislators such as Senator Jo Comerford are taking steps to review state funding formulas in the hopes of finding a more equitable solution.