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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-03 Personnel & Finance r � QCOttttttttt port *mount(( Ott finatut toututittu The June 23, 2003 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member James Aranowski at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Coleman, Kelly, Kuspa, Kirsits and King; Bob Allen, Susan Wallace, Mikki Dobski Shidler, City Controller Rick 011ett, City Attorney Charles Leone; Greg Downs, Mike Balsom, and Margaret Hartza of Gibson Insurance; Terry Bland of the 'OuUi Otrar gribittlt and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Aranowski noted that this meeting was called to receive additional information on the City's self-insurance program. He noted that members of the Committee included Council Members King and Kelly and himself. Approximately a little over a month ago an update was given to the Council and today the good and bad news would be highlighted as well as alternatives. City Controller Rick 011ett noted that the material has been updated since the March Committee meeting. A change will take place effective July 1, 2003, with two(2) options being available for city employees. No recommendations are being made today, however options would be given. . He noted that since 2000, double digit increases have taken place with the following figures resulting: 2000- $ 4 million; 2002- $ 6.7 million; and 2003- $ 7.5 million. He noted that the city has a good plan compared to the regional norm. He then called upon the representatives of Gibson Insurance to address the Committee. Mike Balsom then made a power point presentation which set forth data and comparisons. The primary concern is the upward growth in claims since 2000. Between 1990-1997 there was an overall decrease, however from 1997 there has been a 6 % increase and when compared to 2003 the increase has been 14.7%. Plan Design Modifications and various options for discussion were then presented,including dual network options. The Council Attorney inquired about comparisons to the City of Mishawaka which were requested at the last Committee meeting. Susan Wallace stated that she has comparisons to twelve(12) cities including Mishawaka and would provide that to the Council by tomorrow. Council Member Aranowski noted that a 7.5% increase to the budget is being considered for this line item alone. He stated that the "bleeding must stop", and that each year hereafter there would be a problem if action is not taken now. Rick 011ett noted that the City pays 90%of the cost of the premium. Council Member King noted that our discussions should not focus just on shifting costs, but rather on inducing programs which result in behavior changes. Mr. 011ett noted that longer term behavior adjustments may result from wellness programs. He noted that the Fire Department has an excellent wellness program in place. Council Member Kirsits noted that he asked for breakdowns by departments at the last Committee meeting and would like to see that information. Susan Wallace noted that she could have that information by Tuesday. Personnel and Finance Committee June 23, 2003 Page 2 Council Member Aranowski agreed that the Council needs as much information as possible, and that the departmental information should be shared. Susan Wallace stated that the City only has a 5 % turnover rate which is resulting in a problem of an aging work force. The average age of a city worker is 44 years old. Council Member King suggested that we should also be looking at plan design modifications since the costs are out of hand. The primary goal should be containing and stopping increases for the health plan offered by the City. Council Member Kelly agreed with Council Member King as to the focus of the city's goal, and there appeared to be a consensus of those present. Mr. 011ett noted that Memorial may be more expensive, as dual providers are offered as of July 1, 2003. He noted that meetings with city employees would take place on July 1, 2, 8, and 9 with representatives of Memorial and St. Joe being present. He noted that the contract with St. Joe would have expired on December 31, 2003 and now it has been extended until December 31, 2004. Requests for proposals will be sought next year. Council Member Aranowski noted that a proposed budget schedule has been filed with the City Clerk's Office. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Aranowski adjourned the meeting at 4:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member James Aranowski, Chairperson Personnel and Finance Committee KCF:kmf Attachment