SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 2, 2001
PRESENT
Council President William F. Stacey
Council Vice President Joseph L. Scott
Councilwoman Rachel S. Polk
Councilwoman Lavonzella Siggers
Councilman C. T. Webster
IN ATTENDANCE
City Clerk Brenda Colegrove, Executive Officer John Pick, City, Wicomico County Human Resources Director Ed Cox
ABSENT
Mayor Barrie P. Tilghman
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The City Council convened in a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. in Room
302 of the City/County Government Building. Council President Stacey called
the meeting to order.
Mrs. Polk moved and Mr. Webster seconded to bring to the floor for discussion the City's health insurance, along with approving the modification to the prescription drug program. Mr. Stacey referred to the information previously provided to Council which depicted an additional $25,276 savings by electing to change the prescription program from the current $8/$15/$30 co-pay to $10/$20/$35 co-pay. A copy of the information is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Mr. Scott reiterated that his company has a $2.00 co-pay for a 90-day prescription through a firm in Texas. Ms. Siggers recognized the long-range savings benefit for the City, but in her opinion it was a short-range impact for employees.
Mrs. Brenda Smart, Wicomico County Benefits Administrator, pointed out that the City was saving $50,000 by joining the consortium and an additional $25,276 by changing the prescription program. Since the City elected to pay 100% health insurance coverage on employees, an employee would be saving over $499 annually in premiums.
Mr. Rick Pheifer (Public Works Personnel Committee member) commented that they liked the consortium approach because it would save on the projected increase in premiums. However, they believed the change in the drug plan was too high.
After further discussion, all voted in favor of changing the prescription drug plan from $8/$15/$30 to $10/$20/$35 with the exception of Ms. Siggers who voted nay.
With no further business, the special meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
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City Clerk
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Council President