Judging by rate projections presented to one local authority, the trend shows no sign of slowing.

While municipal officials say they have pursued money-saving measures over the years, changes they've incorporated into plans provided for public employees have been limited and require approval from unionized work forces.

In light of those savings, medical benefits costs continue to eat away at municipal and authority budgets, with the $2 million-plus Hazleton City spends each year on benefits provided to roughly 90 active employees accounting for more than a quarter of city's $7.5 million budget.