Council adds life-insurance coverage for elected officials after public debate

Bullhead City Council voted 4–3 on April 1 to add elected officials to the city’s group life‑insurance policy effective with fiscal year 2025–26. Staff estimated the policy addition would cost the city approximately $1,500 per year.

City staff said group health and related benefits for elected officials were added many years ago but the group life-insurance benefit had not been implemented at that time. Staff told the council the life-insurance provision exists in the health-trust policy shared with other nearby governments and can be applied to elected officials while they hold office.

The item drew extended public comment. Several speakers urged the council not to extend life insurance to elected officials while some part‑time city employees do not receive comparable benefits. One public commenter called the proposal a poor look for the city and promised to hold council members accountable; others defended the measure as a modest benefit that could help surviving family members in the event of a council member’s death.

During debate, council members said elected officials may opt out during open enrollment and noted the benefit applies only while an official is in office. Staff explained the current city employee policy provides $50,000 life insurance for full‑time employees, $20,000 for spouses and $10,000 for children; the elected-official coverage would follow the group policy structure.

Council approved the measure 4–3. Staff will add the benefit to elected officials’ open-enrollment options and implement the change through Human Resources and Finance ahead of the 2025–26 plan year.