Board votes to appeal disability denial ruling to state agency
Gardner retirement board unanimously voted to appeal a disability benefits denial decision at the state administrative level. Chairperson Denise Merriam and members Robert Newton, David Walsh, Jacob Cormier, and Karen Butler voted to appeal a Division of Administrative Law Appeals decision by
Retirement Board · Meeting of July 28, 2026
Gardner retirement board unanimously voted to appeal a disability benefits denial decision at the state administrative level. Chairperson Denise Merriam and members Robert Newton, David Walsh, Jacob Cormier, and Karen Butler voted to appeal a Division of Administrative Law Appeals decision by Magistrate Malkiel that favored a disability applicant, with Attorney Christopher Collins advising the decision contradicts established case law. The board also approved Warrant #07/26 for $751,909.94 in pension and benefit payments and adopted a 7.00 percent actuarial discount rate with a funding schedule projecting a 2033 payoff date.
Laura Strickland from the MASS PRIM Board reported the Gardner Retirement System posted an 11.00 percent return for the year ending March 31, 2026.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 363 words
Source: the Retirement Board meeting of July 28, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Members read the rest of this story and every Gardner meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this brief
Know someone in Gardner who follows town government? Share Townbrief Gardner: they can sign up free.