The Special City Council meeting in Missouri City on October 6, 2025, focused on employee benefits and health plan adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year. Key discussions revolved around maintaining and enhancing employee benefits, particularly in medical, dental, and vision coverage, while also addressing employee feedback regarding customer service experiences with health plan providers.

City officials reported that the proposed health plan is expected to cost significantly less than the budgeted 9% increase, which was initially anticipated due to expected rate hikes from UnitedHealthcare. The city manager confirmed that the actual costs would be lower, allowing for better financial management over the next five years.

A notable highlight was the introduction of a new benefit administration system, which aims to streamline the enrollment process for employees. This system, funded in part by a $10,000 credit from Cigna, will allow employees to manage their benefits online, reducing manual processes for both employees and HR staff.

Mental health benefits were also a key topic, with the city enhancing its employee assistance program. The program now offers six hours of credit for mental health services, up from three hours, and has seen a tripling in participation rates due to increased informational sessions.

The city currently covers 91% of employee medical plan costs, exceeding the public sector benchmark of 85%. This high level of coverage reflects the city's commitment to employee welfare.

Looking ahead, the city plans to hold open enrollment informational sessions to help employees understand their benefits better. These sessions will provide direct access to HR professionals for personalized assistance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's proactive approach to employee benefits, aiming to enhance services while managing costs effectively. The implementation of new systems and programs is expected to improve employee satisfaction and health outcomes in the coming years.