In a recent Board of Public Works & Safety meeting held on August 5, 2025, the City Council of La Porte, Indiana, addressed several key issues impacting local services and health care costs. The atmosphere in the room was one of collaboration and forward-thinking as council members and department heads discussed the future of city resources and employee health benefits.

One of the primary topics was the decision to declare a surplus fireboat as unusable. The fire department had not utilized the boat for some time, and it was taking up valuable space. In a proactive move, the department proposed donating the boat to the Valparaiso Fire Department, which had expressed interest in using it for training purposes. The board unanimously approved the motion, allowing for a smooth transition of resources between departments.

The meeting also featured a significant discussion on health care costs, led by Andrea Smith, the HR director, and Nick Napier from Brown and Brown. They presented a renewal proposal for the city’s health insurance plan with Anthem, highlighting a positive trend in claims management. Over the past year, medical and pharmacy claims had decreased by approximately 9.5%, indicating effective oversight and improved employee health management strategies. This trend was attributed to better preventative care and cost-effective treatment options.

Napier detailed the financial implications of the renewal, noting that the expected cost for the upcoming plan year would only increase by 1.4%, a stark contrast to the initial projection of a 7.5% rise. This reduction was largely due to successful negotiations and the implementation of new health initiatives, including the introduction of Franciscan Health Clinics, which have received positive feedback from employees.

The council was encouraged to consider a modest increase in funding for the health plan to ensure continued coverage and to bolster reserves. Napier emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy reserve to manage potential high-cost claims effectively. The discussion underscored the city’s commitment to providing quality health care while managing costs responsibly.

As the meeting concluded, the board's decisions reflected a dedication to optimizing city resources and ensuring the well-being of its employees. The collaborative spirit and strategic planning showcased during the session set a positive tone for La Porte's future initiatives.