CUBA TOWNSHIP
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
28000 W. Cuba Road
Wednesday, March 10, 2010; 5 pm
Supervisor Nelson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Trustee Svacha led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call: David Nelson, Supervisor; Don Griffith, Trustee; John Mumaw, Trustee; Art Rice, Trustee; Roberta Svacha, Trustee.
Also present: Priscilla Rose, Clerk; Tom Gooch, Highway Commissioner; Russ Warye
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Health insurance policy review
Russ Warye told the board that he has met with Nelson, Donati, Gooch and
Tonigan previous to this meeting to discuss options to the current health
insurance policy. Rice and Griffith asked if the board could be notified of any
meetings regarding the health insurance coverage as it is the most substantial
part of the budget. He then reviewed a brief history of the Township’s health
insurance carriers and coverage. In summary, he stated that the Township has
experienced an average increase in premiums of 6.22% over the last 6 years. He
continued that the average trend increase has been 10%. Illinois law caps a
yearly increase at 67%.
Various scenarios were reviewed in an effort to reduce premium costs. Increasing the deductible was one option considered. Also discussed was the option to have the employee pay a percentage of dependent coverage. Warye suggested that to apply to other insurance carriers would result in a similar premium as the current Blue Cross premium as the Township has a considerable number of claims.
In Tonigan’s absence, Rose distributed a written statement from her regarding the health insurance situation. Mumaw suggested that the entire benefit package for each employee be reviewed. Gooch added that he would like to see the W-2 earnings for the Road District employees along with the benefit package information. It was requested that this information be prepared by Nancy Donati before the March 11, 2010 board meeting. Gooch added that his feelings about the health insurance situation should not necessarily apply to the salaried Township employees. He feels that the Road District’s hourly employees probably earn a higher wage due to overtime pay. Gooch added that he felt it was necessary to make a move to have the employee share the cost of health insurance. He said that he would participate in whatever cost sharing program is implemented.
Warye’s suggestion to the board was to implement dependent cost sharing at a percentage to be determined. He excused himself from the meeting.
Executive session
Rose asked the board if they wanted to adjourn to executive session. Gooch
replied that he thought that was intended for the March 11, 2010 board meeting.
Rose replied that it was noted on this meeting’s agenda but that it could be
part of the March 11, 2010 meeting.
More review and discussion of the health insurance situation continued. Mumaw told the board that he felt whatever decision was made should be consistence to all Township employees, Road District and General Town employees. Griffith stated that he felt the consensus of the meeting was to provide the HMO at no charge, but that some percentage of cost sharing be implemented for PPO coverage on a gradual basis throughout the upcoming year. Rose expressed her opinion to the board that she felt strongly that 100% participation by the employee was too much.
Questions arose about the time period for implementation of HMO participation. Rice contacted Warye by phone and Warye confirmed that an employee must make the decision to participate in an HMO by April 1, 2010 and must stay in that plan for the next plan year. It is only possible to change from HMO or PPO at the renewal of the policy year which is April 1. They must remain in the plan for the entire policy year. Griffith suggested that once the board has decided on the nature of the change in health insurance that a meeting be held with all insured during the work day to explain the changes and that Russ Warye should be present at the meeting.
New Business
There was no new business
Old Business
There was no new business
Adjournment
A motion was made by Trustee Rice and seconded by Trustee Griffith to
adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Priscilla H. Rose
Clerk