SAUGERTIES – A new high deductable health insurance plan for Saugerties town employees is expected to save taxpayers $150,000.

The town has implemented new dental and vision plans and increased the number of hours necessary for newly hired employees to receive health insurance from 30.5 hours to 37.5 hours weekly.

“Given the hard economic times we are all facing, it’s important for government leaders to do everything they can to reduce the cost of government for taxpayers,” said Town Supervisor Kelly Myers. She pledged to continue to review all policies and procedures “to create a more efficient town government.”

Myers said the town’s newly adopted purchasing and procurement policy brings the town into compliant with state standards and “assures more thorough review of expenses by department heads.”