Boston Cut 800 Municipal Jobs

A new report by a fiscal watchdog group said the city of Boston has cut nearly 800 municipal jobs in the last year, but spending still rose on salaries and benefits.

“Spending still increased a little bit, mainly because of the continual increase in spending on health insurance and pension costs,” said Sam Tyler, executive director of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau.

Tyler said Boston spent nearly $700,000 more on salaries and benefits in the last year, despite the job cuts.

He said it demonstrates why health insurance reform is a priority for cities and towns.

“In terms of the drivers of spending, if there is real reform in municipal health care this year, that will go a long way in helping manage the operations of Boston and other cities and towns.” Tyler said.

From: Wbur