Council approves HUB International as employee benefits broker; no direct city cost

The McFarland City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to retain HUB International as its employee-benefits broker, a move staff said will provide a dedicated account executive, enrollment support and access to compliance technology at no direct city cost. Human resources manager Serena McEwen told the council the city currently uses a third-party benefits administrator but has experienced gaps, especially during open enrollment. "Hub International...has proposed a comprehensive solution. They'll assign a dedicated account executive to work directly with staff and employees, streamlining enrollment materials and timelines," McEwen said. A HUB representative, Shaylyn Lewis, said the firm would provide local support and stated HUB is compensated through carrier commissions; McEwen told the council services would begin Sept. 1. Council members expressed support for a local point of contact for employees. Action and vote: Council approved Resolution No. 2025-1-15 by roll call (Mary Young—aye; Vice Mayor O'Connell—aye; Councilor Gonzalez—aye; Councilor Perez—aye; Councilor Gutierrez—aye). McEwen said there will be no direct cost to the city because HUB is compensated through provider commissions. Next steps: HUB will work with city HR on an open-enrollment timeline, benefit guides and employee education; staff said the broker will help coordinate carrier representatives during enrollment and may identify consolidation opportunities to lower costs.