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City human resources outlines push for wellness program, training and possible move toward self‑funded medical plan
Summary
Human resources asked council to review a package that would pursue a self‑funded employee medical plan, fund training and succession programs and add staff to administer benefits, wellness and total‑rewards functions.
Temple — City human resources staff presented proposals to strengthen employee development, wellness and benefits administration, including a possible move to a self‑funded medical benefits model if financial analysis supports the change.
People operations staff outlined a multi‑year plan that would accelerate some planned positions and add a benefits specialist to manage a self‑funded plan (claims audits and administration). The department said it is awaiting additional claims data from the city’s broker but that a self‑funded approach could reduce long‑term premium growth and unlock program dollars (pharmacy rebates, plan design flexibility) to fund wellness and on‑site medical services.
Among the requested items were funds to create a basic supervisory academy for employees interested in leadership, an annual internal employee development conference, and a proposed employee health and wellness center (a medical home-style clinic to provide on‑site preventive care and occupational health services). Staffing requests included a benefits specialist (to audit claims and administer plan elements) and a total‑rewards analyst to collect market data and assist with compensation strategy.
Staff said a city health center pilot could lower per‑visit costs for employees who lack a regular medical home and could help reduce claims by providing preventive care. The department asked council to allow work in FY26 to evaluate the self‑funded option and to consider moving the wellness coordinator position earlier depending on findings.
Ending: Council asked staff to provide further claims data and modeling comparing fully insured versus self‑funded options before making any structural change to employee health benefits; staff said it would return with modeling and an implementation timeline if the council wants to proceed.
