Frequently Asked Questions

What is open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the annual period during which employees can review and make changes to their benefit elections for the upcoming plan year. It’s the only time you can make changes unless you experience a qualifying life event.

When is the open enrollment period?

Open enrollment for this year will take place from March 24 to April 15. All changes must be submitted by 4pm on April 15.

Who is eligible to enroll?

All full-time and part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week are eligible. New hires will also have 30 day enrollment window upon starting employment.

What benefits are available during open enrollment? 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) 
• Retirement savings plans 
• Supplemental benefits (e.g., critical illness, accident insurance)

Where can I find detailed information about each plan?

Visit the Open Enrollment page https://www.ci.southbridge.ma.us/718/Open-Enrollment. Additionally, informational webinars and Q&A sessions will be held between March 3 to March 7.

How do I make changes to my benefits?

Follow the instructions provided for how make changes to each benefit provided on the open enrollment page.

Can I change my benefits after open enrollment?

Changes can only be made after open enrollment if you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or loss of other coverage.

Will my premiums or costs change this year?

Refer to the Open Enrollment page to view any changes in premiums or plan coverage for the upcoming year.

Does the Town contribute to my benefits?

Yes, the Town of Southbridge contributes for certain benefits, such as medical insurance or basic life insurance.

Who can help if I have questions?

• Town employees may contact Noor El Gaderi at nelgaderi@southbridgemass.org or call 508-764-5417. You may also attend one of the scheduled enrollment info sessions or set up a one one meeting using the booking link on the open enrollment page. 
• School employees may contact Jammie Bruni at jbruni@southbridgepublic.org or call 508-764-5414 ext. 5133

What if I miss the open enrollment deadline?

If you miss the deadline, your current benefits will roll over (if applicable), or you will have to wait until the next open enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying life event.

Can I waive coverage?

Yes, you can waive coverage during open enrollment. You may be required to provide proof of other coverage in certain cases.

Town Hall is closed to the public on the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Patriots Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• 1/2 day before Christmas
• Christmas Day

All information regarding available positions within the Town of Southbridge will be posted on the Job Opportunities page.  

All candidates applying for employment in the Town of Southbridge must secure and complete an official application form. 

Paper applications are available and accepted only at the Human Resources Department.  Applications are accepted only in response to advertised vacancies. 

A Junior Operator is by definition, any person who is under the age of 18 years old and holds a valid driver’s license. Under the Junior Operator’s Law, otherwise known as JOL, there are (3) restrictions as follows:

• JOL licensees may not operate a motor vehicle with a passenger(s) under 18 years old within the first 6 months of receiving the JOL. The only exceptions are; any immediate family member (i.e. sibling); or when accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old, with at least 1 year of driving experience and occupying the seat next to the JOL; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”.
• No person holding a Junior Operator's license shall operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; or the JOL is an “emancipated minor”. A junior operator operating a motor vehicle during these hours is considered unlicensed and is subject to arrest.
• No person holding a Junior Operator’s license shall operate any vehicle requiring a Commercial Driver’s license (CDL).

Any person who is at least 16 years of age and has not had a driver's license or right to operate taken away by the Registrar, may apply for a Class D (passenger) permit at any RMV full service office.

Any accident where damage to property is over $1000, where there were injuries sustained or the driver of one of the vehicles left the scene MUST be reported to the police. Even if you were involved in a minor motor vehicle accident, you are required to stop and exchange information with the other driver; name, address and license/registration information.

Police should be called to the scene. Notify police as to where the accident took place, if anyone is injured and how many cars are involved. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicles out of the roadway. Provide your driver's license and vehicle registration to the responding officers. Avoid arguments with the other driver about who caused the collision. The responding officers will ask you questions about the accident and the possible causes.

If your accident is as described above, YES you must complete an accident report. You may pick up a copy of an accident report from any police station, or download the form from this website. Three copies of the report must be completed. One copy will be returned to the police station.