Insurance renewed for city workers [The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.]

May 14--CORBIN -- By Jeff Noble, Staff Writer

With the exception of paying an additional 50 cents per month for $25,000 of life insurance, Corbin city employees won't see a raise in their health care coverage.

On Monday afternoon, the Corbin City Commission put that to a vote, and with their approval, the rates remain the same as last year's for health, dental and vision insurance.

There was no increase for health insurance through the city's insurer, Bluegrass Family Health. It was brought up during the commission's regular meeting the "rate of increase was 0.0 percent." That was also the case for dental insurance through Guardian Dental, and for vision insurance. Coverage for city employees for those three types of insurance is paid for by the City of Corbin.

The life insurance increase was through Guardian Life, and is paid for by city employees. Last' year's rate was $3.75 per month for $25,0000 in coverage. This year's rate went up a half-dollar to $4.25 per month for $25,000 in coverage.

"With increases on rates in health care coverage throughout the country, we felt we got a good deal with only a 50-cent increase," City Clerk Erin Tye told the meeting.

Commissioners and Mayor Willard McBurney voted to approve the city's business license fee for two new businesses. The City Collector's office suggested the fee price be $200 per year for medical spa businesses (those giving facials, eye peal and other services), as well as for freight broker businesses (those who coordinate trucks and shipments).

Also given the thumbs-up was a resolution adopting and approving a municipal aid co-op program contract between the city and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. The resolution would allow for $102,561 in state money and for the contract to work on city streets come Corbin's way.

In addition, the first reading of an ordinance which would enact and adopt a supplement to the city's code of ordinances was passed. The second reading is expected to take place at the commission's next regular or special meeting, and if passed, would become law after legal publication.

Two Corbin city firefighters were promoted to full-time status at the session. Both Eric Philpot and James Smith were hired on May 14 a year ago, and had been on a probationary period during that time.

City Manager Marlon Sams was given commission approval to advertise for sealed bids for cell phone service, stone, fuel, landfill service and paving. Sams also told the meeting the first easement for the planned Bacon Creek Trail Project was sent out Monday, and that 110 easements would be needed to get the project built and work going.

They also voted to take action on the termination of Anthony Steele in the Public Works Department, to accept the resignation of Jeff Alsip from the Public Works Department, and approve the transfer of Jack Strickland from seasonal to full-time status, also in the city's Public Works Department.

Five people were appointed or reappointed to city boards. John Wooley and J. Bill Sosh were reappointed to the Corbin Industrial Development Board through April 30, 2016. In addition, Henry Heaberlin was reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission through May 31, 2016, while Don Ashley was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Board, with his term to expire also on May 3, 2016. Also, Terry Joe Martin was reappointed to the Corbin Utilities Commission.

Tax refunds approved were for CH Development of $1,025 for the year 2005, and $278.25 for 2012. Both refunds are for property in the city. Hiren Enterprises was approved for $103.91 for the year 2011, and $96.07 for 2012, with both refunds being for amended returns. Finally, Ron Hutson received a refund of $35.86 for 2003, with the reason being it was paid in error by the mortgage company.

After the regular meeting, the commission went into Executive Session to discuss both pending litigation and the sale or purchase of real property. No formal action was taken.

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