PERU — Health insurance costs for town employees prompted the most discussion at Monday night’s hearing on the annual town warrant.

Marie Eastman passed out fliers on the budget that showed an increase in insurance costs of nearly $6,000 over last year. According to her figures, the town could save $5,043 a year by having employees pay 10 percent of the cost.

Several people said paying 100 percent of premiums for five employees is excessive. Many thought that employees should share premium costs.

Selectman Laurieann Milligan said other towns pay their employees’ dental insurance as well as offering retirement plans.

Another article that drew comment was one barring town employees from simultaneously serving as a selectman or Finance Committee member.

Richard Powell, who is seeking a seat on the Board of Selectmen, said he had no trouble with the two town employees who are selectmen but there needs to be guidelines.

Kathy Hussey and her brother Rich Vaughn are members of the board who also serve as board secretary and highway department employee, respectively.

“I have seen problems over the years,” he said.

Holland said Hussey and Vaughn are fine board members.

Rick Childs wanted to know where are the savings from the new computer. He said he saw more spending for maintenance and a request for more help.

Town Clerk Vera Parent explained that until this year there was volunteer help for the old computer, but that’s no longer available for the new system. Also, the old printer in past help and they need a new one, she said.

People questioned spending $60,000 for a new roof for the Town Office until is was pointed out that the old flat roof cannot be fixed and is leaking badly.

Road Commissioner Joe Roach said a new highway truck is needed because the old one has more than 100,000 miles and 8,000 hours on the engine. This is his first truck request in about three years, he said. His overall budget increased $86,000 because of possible wage increases, fuel, salt price increase and sand, he said.

An article to change the shoreland zoning map around Worthley Pond from limited residential development to limited commercial development drew little comment. Selectman Tim Holland said the change would allow the Bus eatery to stay in business.

The 31 warrant articles will be voted on from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 12, at the Town Office.