Town eyeing union talks Houlton to begin 2005 negotiations

HOULTON – Town Manager Douglas Hazlett did not hesitate Thursday to describe his work pace as “feverish.”

His pace is hasty because he is getting ready for the start of union contract negotiations slated to begin next week.

“It’s definitely going to be a busy time,” he said.

This year, the town has to negotiate five union contracts for its fire, ambulance, police, public works and general government departments.

Town councilors voted in March to hire the Maine Municipal Association to assist with the negotiations. The town is expected to pay $1,000 to $1,200 for the assistance.

One of the big issues at the discussions likely will be employee health insurance. During board of budget review meetings last year, some members urged town officials to address the subject of the town’s share of employee health benefits. Some panelists suggested that employees should have to pay more for the coverage they receive.

Hazlett said the topic is something administrators would consider during the coming talks.

“I think that the cost of health insurance to the town is rising drastically,” he said, “and I don’t think that there is any other town or labor union out there that is not talking about it. It is something that will be considered, but the goal is to try to accommodate everyone.”

At this point, Hazlett said, he is not sure which department will be the first to come to the table to draft the fine points of the new contracts.

“I’m still working out all of the details about that,” the manager said Thursday.