ST. JOHNSBURY — Officials in the Vermont town of St. Johnsbury are bracing for a spike in health care costs, expected to be between 20 percent and 24 percent next year.

The increase translates to an increase in health care premiums of between $88,000 and $108,000, although the costs are somewhat offset by employee contributions.

Selectman Jim Rust said the increase is due to state and federal mandates.

Rust told the Caledonian Record that officials are considering other insurance policies, but that would require union support.