Employee Benefits Review Committee - October 15 2026

The Employee Benefits Review Committee met on October 15, 2026, to discuss the employee health insurance renewal. The city council had previously voted to pursue RFPs, but committee members said the process was too late for the upcoming renewal and they lacked time to review information from the current provider, Blue Cross. Members discussed the effects of anticipated premium increases on employees, especially those with family coverage, and possible ways to balance costs through plan changes or a higher city contribution. The discussion cited a possible 10% increase and noted that the city currently covers 50% of dependent coverage costs, with 229 employees covered and 16 enrolled in family coverage.

A motion to recommend that the council delay the RFP until midyear next year passed with no opposition. Members discussed beginning research earlier in the next cycle so they can assess options and budget impacts in advance. The committee also planned to meet with the current insurance provider on October 27 at 9 a.m. Separately, members noted unresolved Voya vesting-data issues and said they would work with the provider to correct them.