Hahira rescinds healthcare change

Nov. 04--HAHIRA -- Hahira City Council rescinded a previous decision to accept a new United Heatlhcare package presented by the Agency of South Georgia.

City Manager Jonathan Sumner said city staff recommended switching back to the original insurance broker due to new information following the October council meeting.

"We have confirmed with the city attorney that since no agreements have been signed, council can rescind its vote to change insurance brokers and then vote to accept the original quote received from Partner's Benefit for United Healthcare," Sumner said.

In line with the recommendation, council voted to rescind the previous agreement and accept the agreement with Partner's Benefit.

Mike Wells spoke to City Council about Northbridge Church wanting to perform a community-needs assessment in Hahira. He said it wants to take an inventory of what assets the community has and what it needs.

"We can use the data for setting programs (and) focusing on improvements," Wells said.

He asked, if a similar study had not already been done, if the city would be willing to work with Wells and others to perform the survey and identify the needs.

Mayor Bruce Cain suggested Wells make an appointment to meet with Sumner to further discuss the topic.

Laurence Nelson addressed council about helping prevent neighborhoods from becoming rundown by creating an ordinance requiring piles of trash in driveways to be removed. He said some areas consistently have trash piled up.

"That's devaluing everybody's property up here, and it's an eyesore and, probably, a health risk in certain situations with the rubbish," Nelson said.

He asked council to consider and address the issue.

Kimberly Cannon is a Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.

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