The Hooksett Town Council raised insurance costs to town employees, despite warnings from some municipal workers that the move would drive good people out of their jobs.

“You have some very dedicated employees in this town, but they’re going to disappear,” said Dale Hemeon, who heads the highway and parks and recreation departments.

Hemeon was trying to dissuade the council from raising employee contributions to insurance premiums by another 10 percent, after those contributions were raised by 10 percent last year.

“Where does it end?” asked Hemeon. “Is it going to go up another 10 percent next year?”

Several town employees argued that the reason people work for municipalities – which they said pay less than the private sector – is because of good benefits.

Recycling and Transfer Station Superintendent Diane Boyce also said she’s worried she’ll lose skilled employees with the change.

“They’re raising families on $12 an hour,” she said.

Councilor Jason Hyde, who voted in favor of the change, said he pays considerably more in family plan health costs than do the town’s employees.

To that, multiple employees called out, “You make more than they do,” and, “Do you make $12 an hour?”

The council voted 4-2 in favor of the change. David Jodoin said the new town health insurance policy will take effect on Jan. 1.

Town Council Chairman George Longfellow, who along with David Ross voted against the change, said he felt “uncomfortable” taking the vote, with only six of the nine councilors present.

“In my opinion, I think we’re just shooting from the hip again,” he said.