Dunkirk OKs health premium hike (09/26/06)

DUNKIRK - An 8 percent increase in the premium paid for health insurance coverage for city employees was approved at Monday night's council meeting.

Dunkirk council members unanimously approved a one-year extension of its policy with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, following a short presentation by Michael Stafford of the Stafford Insurance Group, Inc., of Muncie.

Stafford explained that the city's new monthly premium for coverage of 25 full-time employees will increase from approximately $14,050 to $15,190 under the new policy which takes effect on Oct. 1.

This covers general medical services, plus some vision options, including eye exams for a co-pay fee of $5 once a year.

As in the past under Dunkirk's plan, the city covers the entire cost of the premiums for individual employees. The employees do not have any amounts deducted from their paychecks unless they wish to include family members on the plan.

Stafford said he appreciated the city's business and was proud to report that since his firm took over the city's account four years ago, annual premium increases have been held to single digits.

Mayor Sam Hubbard said that while the city and its employees are satisfied with the Stafford firm and the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield policy, next year he would like Stafford to make his presentation earlier in the year so that the city could possibly get quotes from other companies.

Hubbard noted that the city's current policy expires at the end of this week.

Stafford agreed with Hubbard's suggestion, saying that he had been in contact with Dunkirk Clerk-Treasurer Jane Kesler several weeks ago, mentioning the possibility of an 8 percent increase.

In other business Monday, council members:

•Noted that a section about Dunkirk and Jay County had been included in a new magazine, entitled "Regional Focus" which is being distributed by Energize East Central Indiana. Hubbard said he is quoted in the magazine and there is a color photograph of the exterior of the Glass Museum on the magazine's front cover.

Copies of the magazine are available from Jay County Development Corporation.

•Were reminded that the next meeting of the Dunkirk Improvement Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in city hall.

•Learned that the city has received a petition from John and Holly Faulkner requesting the vacation of an unimproved street and alley in the area of Broad Street, where they are in the process of building a new home. A public hearing on the petition has been set for the Oct. 23 city council meeting, starting at 7 p.m. in city hall.

•Heard a report from councilman Tom Johnson that more new trees, donated by the state, will be available for planting soon in the city park. Johnson said these will be Flowering Crab Apple trees.

•Noted that the city parks department is currently accepting donations of new and used Christmas lights for display during the holiday season at the city park. Johnson said that persons may contact him about making donations or bring the lights to city hall.

•Awarded a contract for the trimming of two trees on West Pleasant Street and the removal of 23 stumps to the lowest of three quoters - Newsome's Tree and Stump Removal of Dunkirk. Newsome's quote was $655, compared to quotes of $1,000 from E and T Tree Service of Dunkirk, and $1,055 from Tucker's Tree Service and Stump Removal of Hartford City.

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