2004-08-09 thru 2004-8-18 Budget Workshop Meetings minutes

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City Council Budget worap Meetings - August 9-18 2004 - page Citizens, Jim Van, Paul Hickenbottom, Dottie Kaminski and a number of citizens. Human Resources Manager Sherri Sampson provided an overview of the health insurance fund for the City of La Porte employees and retirees. In addition, she provided a powerpoint presentation. A copy of the presentation will be an attachment to the minutes. Mayor Porter informed the group the purpose for the insurance discussion was to provide a number to fund the insurance in the budget and not to decide on a plan this evening. Louis Rigby inquired about the number of catastrophic incidents in the last three years. Council requested a report on how many retirees who have retired have stayed on health insurance and their ages. Sherry Sampson to provide report. Council requested how many retirees have supplemental insurance. Council requested to know the costs of claims for prescription drugs. Chuck Engelken wanted to know the available amount required to be in fund balance by stop loss carrier. It was noted the amount needed to be between $600,000 and $800,000. Council requested a history on the fund balances for several years. Council requested data on stop loss payments and how many times the policy has been used.. Council inquired as to what year the City did not have stop loss coverage. Mike Mosteit requested to know a ten year history on supplements made from the general fund to the health fund. Louis Rigby wanted to know the total number of employees who did not file a claim all year for a complete year. Barry Beasley suggested a possible solution would be to have retiree's with 20 years of service pay the same amount as employees. Mayor Porter suggested a possible solution might be to look at different rates for those 65 years of age. Council requested Sherri Sampson look at 20% scenario for the health insurance. Louis Rigby suggested new hires pay a higher rate. Mike Mosteit requested a report of the last ten years retirement statistics. Look at how many have dropped retiree insurance after five years and ten years. Council noted the City needs to become more active in legislation issues involving health care. Council inquired as to what has been driving up the health care costs. Mike Mosteit requested staff to look at other companies that offer supplemental for those over 65 years old.