Walhalla council approves making future council members eligible for state health benefits; ordinance effective Jan. 1, 2026

Walhalla City Council approved Ordinance 24-12 on second reading, electing to classify future city council members as eligible employees for participation in the South Carolina Public Employee Benefits Authority program beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Council discussion highlighted two main themes: cost and civic participation. Opponents warned the city could face a significant ongoing cost if multiple members and family members enrolled; one councilor described a worst-case estimate of more than $50,000 annually if all eligible council members and dependents enrolled. Supporters said making eligibility available could broaden the pool of potential candidates who are self-employed or cannot otherwise afford health coverage while serving the city.

Council members asked staff and the attorney whether non-monetary forms of compensation would count as ‘‘payment’’ for eligibility; staff said the state authority considers various forms of compensation when determining eligibility and that the change, if adopted, would not take effect until January following the next election (Jan. 1, 2026), giving time for clarification.

The ordinance passed on a show-of-hands vote recorded in the transcript as 4 in favor and 2 opposed. The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes for each member. The council will follow up as needed to clarify eligibility definitions with the Public Employee Benefits Authority and to establish any implementation or budget steps if council members elect coverage.