Methuen Ratifies GIC Health Insurance Deal Covering City Employees and Retirees
DATELINE: METHUEN
Mayor D.J. Beauregard and the Public Employee Committee announced a landmark health insurance agreement this week that moves city employees, retirees, and their families to the GIC — a structural shift that could reshape the city's long-term benefit costs.
TOWN HALL
Mayor Beauregard and Public Employee Committee President Kara Blatt jointly announced that city workers, retirees, and their dependents will transition to the Group Insurance Commission under a newly ratified health insurance agreement. The GIC is the state's consolidated benefits pool, and municipalities that join it typically realize significant savings over time. The agreement represents one of the more consequential labor-and-finance developments in Methuen city government this year.
The city's Election Department is also looking for residents willing to serve as poll workers for the September 1 and November 3, 2026 elections. Anyone interested can call 978-983-8515. Poll workers play a hands-on role in keeping Methuen's voting process running smoothly, and the department wants a full roster in place well before the primary.
Two other standing items from city hall remain active this week: the rail trail section near the Oakland Avenue Bridge remains closed for ongoing bridge repairs, and residents who have not yet returned their Census forms are urged to do so by mail, drop-off at the City Clerk's Office, or by emailing a photo copy.
Separately, the Historic District Commission's meeting, which had been scheduled at its regular location, was moved to 90 Hampshire St., per an alert posted June 25.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
No new coverage from Patch, MetroWest Daily News, or The Boston Globe in this cycle.
COMING UP
- **September 1, 2026** — State Primary Election; Methuen poll workers needed (contact Election Dept. at 978-983-8515 to sign up). - **November 3, 2026** — General Election; same poll worker recruitment is open now. - **MHS Picture Day** (Lifetouch Studios) — September 11, 7:15–11:15 a.m., MHS Fieldhouse. - **MHS NEASC Decennial Visit** — October 4–7, all day, Methuen High School. - **MHS Picture Retake Day** — October 15, 8–10 a.m., Methuen High School.