Audubon Projects Nearly $500K in 2027 Health Care Savings

Audubon expects to save nearly $500,000 in 2027 through higher-deductible health insurance options adopted in response to steep premium increases in New Jersey's state-administered plans, borough chief financial officer John "Jack" Bruno said Tuesday, Aug. 4.

The estimate follows initial savings that began when new employee premium contributions took effect in July. Bruno presented the figures at the borough's monthly caucus meeting, held on Zoom.

Employees who switched to higher-deductible plans could collectively save about $170,000 annually in premium contributions, Bruno said. The estimate is annualized from the July changes and applies to employees who selected the new plans.

The borough, meanwhile, projects a net savings close to $200,000 for the five months from August through December - an amount Bruno said represents roughly 10 percent of the borough's overall 2026 budget.

"These numbers are rough calculations depending on who we add or take off," Bruno said, noting that enrollment and plan participation can change during the year.

Savings Tied to Plan Changes

Audubon made the higher deductible plans available after health care premiums through the state system rose by about 30 percent for 2026, Bruno said.

Municipalities are required to select their health care coverage from plans offered by the state.

Under state law, employees contribute toward the cost of their health insurance based on factors including income, while their employer pays the remaining premium cost.

Assuming enrollment, plan designs and premiums remain stable, Bruno said the borough could see about a 25 percent savings on its health care costs in 2027, or nearly $500,000.

The savings estimate comes as rising health care costs have put pressure on public budgets across Audubon. The borough adopted a 2026 budget with a property tax increase this spring, while the school district cited escalating health insurance costs among the factors driving its 2026-27 budget and tax levy increase.

The higher-deductible options also permit Audubon to offer employees a "Difference Account," an employer-funded account intended to help participants pay for higher out-of-pocket costs, including copays and deductibles.

"Employees are taking advantage of it," Bruno said.

"And we're certainly glad to see that." Bruno credited the borough commissioners with acting quickly after the premium increases became known.

"Kudos to the commissioners for jumping on this as soon as they saw this mess coming with the 30 percent increase (to health premiums) for 2026," he said.

Salary Ordinance Advances

Commissioners also introduced Ordinance 2026:12, which establishes salaries or salary ranges for certain borough officers and employees.

The ordinance includes positions such as the borough clerk and deputy clerk, chief financial officer, court administrator and multiple police department ranks.

Compensation for some positions, including borough administrator and police chief, is listed as being defined by employee contract rather than stated as a salary figure in the ordinance.

A public hearing and final vote are scheduled for the commissioners' meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.

National Night Out Set for Sept. 15

Police chief David Bauer announced that Audubon's National Night Out will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Francis J. Ward Recreation Center.

Bauer said the department received permission from Audubon schools superintendent Sandra Allen and high school principal Jeffrey Lebb for a helicopter to land as part of the event.

National Night Out events are designed to build relationships between residents and law enforcement while promoting safety awareness through activities and entertainment.

Because of the event, the borough's regularly scheduled September commissioners meeting will be moved from Sept. 15 to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 14, borough clerk Danielle Ingves said.

Jeanne Mugler of Sustainable Audubon also announced a document-shredding event for Audubon and Haddon Heights residents from 9 to 11 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17. Volunteers are sought to assist residents with unloading vehicles.