[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6489650,"mediaKeyId","5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8","parentId",5841553,"title","Rexburg council approves 2026 health benefits changes; employees to bear average 12% increase","audioSeconds",1491,"startMs",695000,"endMs",2186000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8&start=695&end=2186","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8/thumbnail_695000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6489650/Rexburg-City/Madison-County/Idaho/Rexburg-council-approves-2026-health-benefits-changes-employees-to-bear-average-12-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6489650-4cc1a44479afb3aff7b51e8431568fa6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294240&Signature=FVCXnv0O~VEkf58d8oz9aYtrwK1lxLTYKf~5aQYK0e~8laTDOYfwI4ozJvXWIXzaxOAXTrb~zjM2AZbUphohIzwdrXTbDsXlwZuxce~0VxLrf5fLPzyPk5YXzpElXcPjRSYpOaMNPaqwPfWb3HAs8LfoA2FOI93FTHnfPCLzy4FFMmRdM6YPUCnARFHvehMjYq4Yo~9YFWr3hhGQcvQmi~lgXPsyJw0hzmKs5OJ2bYfil8hOEAiPc3bspDA2iiICPKzUrgA~Yd1b7UO8zThrkQk9X~MfOeJ6R8fnA9PwKDqi57MHJ29kLP8h9RHRbk7BPakJerLhnEyGMcdkyCMgag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Rexburg","date","2025-09-04T16:47:14Z","article","Rexburg City Council on Monday approved changes to the city's employee benefit funding for 2026, including a recommended average 12% increase in employee contributions and a 7% employer-side increase already included in the budget.

Finance staff presented medical, dental and vision renewal information and said the municipality's insurance experience had worsened in the first half of the year. \"We were at 77% ... but this year, we're at a 119% experience,\" Matt Nelson, a city staff member, told the council. He said the city's broker had originally quoted an increase close to 30% and negotiated it down to about 12.6%.

The changes the council approved keep the city's target cost split at roughly 85% employer and 15% employee for overall benefits. Nelson said the recommended employer contribution increase (7%) was already included in the adopted budget; the additional employee-side adjustment would average about 12% and was intended to generate the cash needed to pay the higher premiums. \"If we were to go with these recommendations, we would keep that at the 15%, 85% split,\" Nelson said.

Why it matters: the city's medical plan is the largest single line in employee costs (Nelson said annual medical insurance runs about $2.8 million). Council members pressed staff on drivers of the increase: Nelson cited large claims, higher pharmacy utilization and expensive brand-name prescriptions that account for a small share of prescriptions but a large share of pharmacy spending. He also noted the city will lose 27 employees from the city plan when those positions transfer to a new fire district; staff said that change increases volatility in future renewals.

Staff recommendations and implementation: Nelson and staff told the council they were not proposing changes to plan design (deductibles or copays). They also proposed budgeting conservatively for 2027 renewals, noting their agent recommended assuming up to a 30% increase in the worst-case model. Nelson said the city's broker estimated small increases for dental (modelled at 6%) and vision (modelled at 5%) and asked the council to authorize staff to accept renewals for dental or vision increases up to 10% without returning to the council.

Employee input: Nelson said the employee committee reviewed the proposal that morning and \"they felt comfortable with these recommendations.\" Council members asked for clarity on how the fire district transfer affects both the city's budget and the insurance pool; staff explained the city will continue to show an expense for its share of fire costs in the general fund rather than an internal transfer to Fund 17.

Council action: Council member Johnson moved to approve the 2026 health and other employee benefits as presented; Council member Reeser seconded. The council voted in favor; the motion carried.

What remains: Nelson said open enrollment would take place in November and staff would return to council if dental or vision renewals exceeded the authorized thresholds or if new information required budget adjustments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 9/3/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council approved changes to employee medical, dental and vision funding for 2026 after staff reported a negotiated 12.6% premium increase from the insurer and a deteriorating claims experience. The city will keep an 85/15 employer-employee split and use budgeted increases to cover much of the rise.","taxTitle","Rexburg City, Madison County, Idaho","taxId",52398,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6489638,"Rexburg council adopts utility rate changes; residential recycling costs shifted from commercial",318,382000,700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8&start=382&end=700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8/thumbnail_382000.jpg","/articles/6489638/Rexburg-City/Madison-County/Idaho/Rexburg-council-adopts-utility-rate-changes-residential-recycling-costs-shifted-from-commercial","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6489638-5cc51ff2e0eaf98de5de32283b4603e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294240&Signature=oUSPNYHFnoawDEKcrn8ntY0vVYMBVgK6M1dLQPtHYQMC2ODiLNaZ0gkgVZ2ZAB3Ydf2GGMQRphkoLxzVQZyuIjsm-3blcV7r8hoszcoxlEcdXykhU124Z26CKtJrWhafW4s5gcdVY6bNGQ4rbtZ~WKduhJfuig~6AdNnE2IJEw7tmlgvm0lm-FxJbxbUFjsilGDk1vOdtC4bnxq9ZYIsPnP2d~D0rSUN8F3o7trv3xiwzp3K~njVxJUux8dIC0MMgLnyv9VwwDPYo6~Sn9iNnyg0hwF~z2AOpLfw4rFRes-Z64TVV~ICLFppBA0MGDrtL5xPCAyPZ0RZc8sm1P2v~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rexburg City Council voted to adopt Resolution No. 2025-08 approving fiscal year 2026 utility rate adjustments after a brief staff presentation and a public hearing with no speakers.

City staff summarized the changes and said there would be no increases to water or sewer rates. The primary billing change shifts recycling costs to residential accounts and removes separate safety lighting fees. \"There's no change on water and sewer, and garbage has the changes reflecting the additional costs attributed to recycling for the residential, and they are, also removing the safety lighting fees,\" a staff member told the council during the presentation.

Staff showed sample bills in the packet and explained a shift in how recycling is attributed reduced many commercial bills and slightly increased some residential bills; overall, some sample customers saw net decreases. The staff presentation noted the residential garbage line would increase by about 3.8% in the staff model.

Public hearing: The council opened a public hearing and asked for comments in favor, neutral or opposed; no one spoke. After the hearing, Council member Eric Erickson moved to adopt Resolution No. 2025-08; Council member Johnson seconded. The motion passed.

What it means: Water and sewer customers will not see rate changes from this action; garbage customers will see a redistribution of recycling costs such that residential accounts cover a larger share of those expenses. The council did not receive public opposition during the hearing.","The council passed Resolution No. 2025-08 approving FY2026 utility rate changes: no water or sewer increases, residential garbage rates to absorb recycling costs and removal of safety lighting fees. A public hearing drew no comments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6489633,"Rexburg council affirms sidewalk requirement for a Salem Avenue lot after staff briefing",667,2113000,2780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8&start=2113&end=2780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8/thumbnail_2113000.jpg","/articles/6489633/Rexburg-City/Madison-County/Idaho/Rexburg-council-affirms-sidewalk-requirement-for-a-Salem-Avenue-lot-after-staff-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6489633-de05c84fe2116edcaa6fe42738ee42cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294240&Signature=berRA0AL6v~vr3bct7kvXCvZdO2pEfbN7sDzKcRUIxxnzFVWHIocK8AAYdI7HF3JOo3jJM25ZEmplEQTVe61oDjwZKlvZy0GSkKa-ss7sJojcbUo02E6j4r5K7j6ftSk3FfxHea7pGRkQ~gh5M-50jX69MNuo-Hq76UA4Yuvs9YUbVo8N~UYsa95hPr5OVM9nm1br5cZBMyvItt~tDmUyGS1PMVrBNLURbRWtDPmfCAvWQjY0hgqtqgRoZ6vm09k-R8OSjX9UWV4n8IKLzYvpgNfQe7cxF8Is2f~KJNzBw~4pTTrndybwFKduqRR-5VcpVbcZox5jeuYWAtHoZUPjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rexburg City Council debated whether to require a sidewalk for a parcel on Salem Avenue where a driveway could cross a required sidewalk. After staff explained the city's practice of requiring sidewalks when properties change ownership and legal staff warned against ad hoc variances, the council directed the owner to install the sidewalk.

Public works staff described the site and the practical concern: because some homes were built close to the property line, a driveway could encroach on a sidewalk built against the curb. \"The concern... is that a vehicle parked in the driveway is gonna set over the sidewalk,\" Public Works (Keith) told the council during his item. He and other staff showed similar nearby streets (Bear Street) where owners placed longer driveways to accommodate sidewalks.

Legal and planning staff cautioned that issuing individual variances can create inconsistent precedent and litigation risk. \"There's kind of a general rule with variances ... constructive in theory but destructive in practice,\" a city attorney advising the council said, urging code or ordinance change rather than piecemeal exceptions.

Council discussion focused on fairness and long-term continuity of sidewalks across neighborhoods. Several members said they preferred keeping the existing policy so the city does not create exceptions that could cause future disputes. The discussion closed with the council's direction that the owner should proceed with installing the sidewalk as required; staff will inform the property owner of the requirement and the standard curb-side alignment.

What to expect: staff said implementing the required sidewalk would preserve continuity as parcels change hands and that the city will consider whether any future ordinance reorganization or code amendment is warranted to clarify language around sidewalk installation and variances.","Council discussed a property on Salem Avenue where a driveway would cross a sidewalk if a new sidewalk were required; after staff and legal discussion about variances and ordinance changes, the council's consensus was to require the sidewalk be installed when the property changes hands.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6489628,"Votes at a glance: Rexburg council adopts utility rate resolution, health benefits and other items",1487,629000,2116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8&start=629&end=2116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5841553-c66c085cfb413b5eaeb17cc7d5fbd5e8/thumbnail_629000.jpg","/articles/6489628/Rexburg-City/Madison-County/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-Rexburg-council-adopts-utility-rate-resolution-health-benefits-and-other-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6489628-bf57e2d328f64706d72a6ebbe33cc638/orig.mp4?Expires=1775294240&Signature=ZzFOU9gHXs4AxBnPaJ5nVnchXwZEkYLJygWY2mrHIkpf~hZd2kEkJiS8MDuLAKyreKF8HwZg~TP71BWu40Q5Q5ld8hnqCNwmGxMT8GtNqnjZJ2er8ldolgcdSvstvVXd-0ZnvQnY0D0wNXoi-keyA9V6TRKvdjjT~mJajTdRakYMs9FlDOKH1TCEw05OThR-z3scKUr5rUhW7XvlJkbVLNICshc9BnsdD3h-3EEZC8teBvzCct9pRCkrt7cd3-m1Z1pHbZL~G~3lR5K1ak1YZvo78Bacqasg906MUB5o1jqp5Bor5xToiLeZIF8GHN9BxGy5EvgQrFnsGdCcMKz2-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Rexburg City Council voted on several items during the meeting. Most measures passed with no recorded opposition. Key outcomes are listed below.

Resolution No. 2025-08 (utility rates)
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. 2025-08 approving FY2026 utility rate changes (no water/sewer change; residential garbage to absorb recycling costs; safety lighting fees removed).
Mover: Council member Eric Erickson. Second: Council member Johnson. Outcome: Passed.

2026 health and other employee benefits
Motion: Approve the recommended funding changes for 2026 employee benefits (7% employer-side increase included in budget; ~12% average increase in employee deductions).
Mover: Council member Johnson. Second: Council member Reeser. Outcome: Passed.

Surplus city vehicle
Motion: Declare a 1984 Dodge Ram Charger surplus and authorize disposal under city policy.
Mover: (staff requested; council motion recorded). Second: Council member Eric Erickson. Outcome: Passed.

Conditional use permit: 2355 Summerfield Lane (case 25-00664)
Motion: Approve conditional use permit to allow a religious chapel/meetinghouse in a low-density residential (LDR) zone at 2355 Summerfield Lane; planning recommended approval after a unanimous planning commission vote and public support in letters and testimony.
Mover: Council member Johnson. Second: Council member Colin Erickson. Outcome: Passed.

Ordinance actions
- Ordinance No. 13-37 (development code amendment): Approved on first reading.
- Ordinance No. 13-35 (FY2025 budget amendment): Considered and adopted on third reading.

Proclamation ratification
Motion: Ratify Proclamation No. 2025-05 declaring Constitution Week (September 17, 2025). Mover: Council member Barry Erickson. Second: Colin Erickson. Outcome: Passed.

Consent Calendar
Approved minutes, city bills and 2025-26 beer and wine licenses as listed on the consent calendar.

Vote notes: Council recorded \"Aye\" on each roll call for these items; meetings recorded no formal opposed votes on the listed motions.","A summary of actions the Rexburg City Council approved at its meeting: Resolution No. 2025-08 (utility rates), 2026 employee benefits, surplus of an outdated city vehicle, a conditional use permit for a chapel at 2355 Summerfield Lane, ordinance actions, a proclamation ratification and consent calendar approvals.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rexburg council approves 2026 health benefits changes; employees to bear average 12% increase

Rexburg council adopts utility rate changes; residential recycling costs shifted from commercial

Rexburg council affirms sidewalk requirement for a Salem Avenue lot after staff briefing

Votes at a glance: Rexburg council adopts utility rate resolution, health benefits and other items