LOUISA, KY. — The Louisa City Council met in special session Monday December 17th 2018 at 7pm. In attendance was council members Mitch Castle, Ronald Cordle, Lisa Schaffer, and John Nolan. Mayor Slone presided over the meeting.
The council began by approving the Louisa Fire Department to enter into negotiations with Loudon County , Va for the possible purchase of a vehicle that would replace the fire department’s rescue vehicle that is currently 28 years old and has over 100,000 miles. That vehicle was bought ‘used’ in 2010. The city attorney had advised by email that the department would not have to advertise for bids since they were purchasing from another government agency for a used vehicle. Motion was made by John Nolan, Second by Lisa Schaeffer to approve the purchase up to 55,000. All members approved. The fire department has the funds in the bank and in the budget to purchase the vehicle. The current vehicle would be sold at government auction with those funds returning to account.
In another issue, the council viewed several insurance rates and pricing structures for employee’s benefits package for the coming year. After reviewing all options it was agreed unanimously that the city would use TeamCare insurance provided by Central States Health and Welfare fund. The plan would take the place of the Ky Laborer’s Health and Welfare fund which the city had been with for the last 12 years.
The fund DIRECTORS had ruled not to renew any groups after December 31, 2018 that was not directly involved in the construction trade.
The new group was based on a composite plan with equal pricing per employee. Motion was made by Mitch Castle and second by Ronald Cordle, to accept the benefits package from Teamcare which included, health, dental, vision, short-term disability and life insurance just as the Ky Laborer’s had provided before.
The city increased the contribution rate of the employees from 10% to 20%. It was also approved to set up section 125 plan allowing premiums to be deducted pretax. All the changes resulted in the City’s cost being reduced by $2,631.57. All council members voted yes to this motion.