County Council votes for health insurance changes, but cost of coverage for County employees won’t increase
By a 5-3 vote Tuesday night during a special meeting,
For the basic plan, the deductible would increase from
The basic plan has a mid-range deductible compared to the high deductible and low deductible plans for County employees.
In addition, the nicotine surcharge for County workers who use tobacco products would increase from
Also part of the motion's package was the testing of County employees for tobacco product use if it can be determined that it is legal and if BlueCross BlueShield will agree to include it in the County's employee insurance plan.
Along with Smith, who represents
Interim Chairman
The changes to the basic plan will reduce the County's premium renewal rate for 2018 from 16 percent to 12.8 percent, said County Human Resources Director
The vote by Council authorized County Administrator
The special meeting was held in Council Chambers in the Aiken County
Before the meeting, there was a special work session in Council Chambers, and Council members discussed health insurance at length after listening to a presentation by Wolman. Smith pushed hard for employees to be tested for tobacco product use.
Also during the work session,
"One thing that came out was folks were really interested in recycling, particularly as it related to glass," said Singer, who is a former County Councilman.
But some people, he added, also were concerned that proximity to recycling facilities and the noise associated with them devalued their homes.
In addition, the hearings' attendees were worried about litter, roads in disrepair, lack of proper stormwater drainage and abandoned buildings. They also were concerned about bullying, fighting and drugs in the public schools.
The hearings' participants, Singer said, were especially interested in development plans near USC Aiken. They also asked for greater oversight of developers and expressed a desire for more sidewalks and bicycle trails as well as an improved system of public transportation to link County residents to parks, towns, recreation and entertainment.
Singer ended his presentation by making recommendations.
"We think that Council needs to give a formal and public response to the six public hearings and use the media and
Singer also suggested that Council come up with a formal action plan "for deployment of resources and timeframes."
In addition, he recommended sharing the information gathered during the hearings with various "established community groups" and holding additional public hearings.
"There is a lot of good information here, and we'll take it and use it for the benefit of the County," Siders said.
But Napier expressed disappointment in the number of people who attended the six hearings, which was about 100, 73 of whom completed surveys.
He said the participation was too low for Council "to base a lot" on the finding that were presented.
In
According to Singer's presentation, the purpose of CRC is to "cultivate and encourage unity, mutual understanding and respect among all people of the County, and to seek ways to improve community relations."
___
(c)2017 the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.)
Visit the Aiken Standard (Aiken, S.C.) at www.aikenstandard.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
First Lady Sees Plight Of Addicted Infants Firsthand
Symbility Offers EagleView’s Comprehensive Property Image Solutions
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News