Scott City council OKs employee health insurance plan

The Scott City Council approved a health-insurance plan for city employees Monday night that will save the city about $22,000 in premiums over renewing its current plan.

However, some risk to the city accompanies the savings.

In saving money on premiums the city has agreed to pay a larger chunk of bigger employee deductibles that accompany the new plan. Deductibles for individuals covered on city insurance will now rise from $1,000 to $5,000. However the city will reimburse any cost over $1,000 to employees.

If many employees go over the $1,000 mark, the city may end up not saving money after all.

City administrator Ron Eskew said he's confident that won't happen. Eskew said if employee medical claims are in line with previous years few employees will meet the complete deductible, making the new plan a good bet for the city.

The council approved the plan 6-0. Ward 3 Councilman Robert Tyler abstained from voting because he was presiding over the meeting for the absent Mayor Tim Porch. Ward 4 Councilman Ron Worl was absent.

The new policy, like the current one, is through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

In other business:

* The council approved by a 6-0 vote an automatic mutual aid agreement with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department for calls on Route AB and Nash Road. Scott City will automatically respond to Cape Girardeau calls on Nash Road west of Interstate 55, and Cape Girardeau will automatically respond to Scott City calls on Route AB east of I-55.

* The council approved 6-0 an ordinance to vacate Sixth Street East between Chestnut Street and Beech Street for private development.

* The council voted 6-0 to start condemnation proceedings on a house located at 802 Fourth St. East.