Carver Select Board Votes to Tap Pilot Funds to Cover $4 Million Health Insurance Shortfall

CARVER — March 10, 2026 — Carver Select Board approves one-time financial policy deviation to address $4 million health insurance deficit. The board voted 4-1 Tuesday to transfer $1,510,295 in battery storage pilot revenue — a departure from the town's written financial policies, which direct that money into stabilization funds — as part of a three-part plan to cover a projected end-of-fiscal-year health care shortfall that also draws $1.5 million in free cash and $1 million from stabilization. Town Administrator Glenn Cannon called the situation "a crisis" and warned that employees could be affected if the deficit goes uncovered; Finance Director Karen Proval noted the stabilization fund holds $4,474,769 and that drawing more than 50 percent could threaten Carver's bond rating. The board also set an April 7 special town meeting within the annual meeting at the Carver Middle High School Auditorium, closed the petition warrant on March 13, and placed a $617,500 free cash spending package on the warrant — the latter approved 4-1 over objections that tree removal and fireworks costs belong in the operating budget.