5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 1

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The budget process for the next fiscal year is under way. The town's Finance Committee has asked town departments to cap any requested increases at 2 percent.

2. Health insurance rates will increase for town employees this year. The town's health provider, Harvard Pilgrim, will require a 3.75 percent increase for family and individual rates. Rates quoted by Blue Cross, Tufts and Fallon were even higher, with Tufts being the next lowest, at 5.45 percent. The town's Insurance Advisory Committee investigated the Harvard Pilgrim and Tufts quotes, to compare the tiers of hospitals and doctors to see if there was any benefit to changing to Tufts, but found no major difference, according to an overview provided by town Treasurer Barbara Auger. Selectmen authorized the renewal, which will take effect May 1.

3. The good news in the insurance plan: Milford town employees will be able to participate in tax-saving, flexible spending accounts this year for health expenses not covered by their plan, as well as for dependent child care costs. This benefit, already a part of the teacher's contract, will be extended to all employees who work at least 35 hours a week, Auger said. The insurance changes will be explained to employees at two meetings this month.

4. Are you a restaurant with new hours, new menu, newly renovated spaces? Please let us know so we can contribute your news to a regular feature on Patch that keeps readers in MetroWest updated with restaurant news. Send your information to editor Mary MacDonald at mary.macdonald@patch.com.

5. Spring is just around the corner. By the calendar, it arrives on March 20.