Mechanic Falls council approves life insurance change, meeting dates and task-force appointment

Mechanic Falls — At its July 17 meeting, the Mechanic Falls Town Council approved a set of routine but consequential administrative actions, including a change in the town's life insurance provider, scheduling of September meetings, and an appointment to a regional task force.

Councilor Paula Stotts moved to switch the town’s full-time employee life insurance from Mutual of Omaha to MMA; Councilor Ray Lavoie seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. Stotts also moved to offer spouse coverage under the MMA plan at the employee's expense; the council approved that measure 5-0. The council noted the town’s premium cost to the employer would remain unchanged between the two carriers.

The council set its September regular meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 5 (to avoid Labor Day) and scheduled a joint Council/Planning Board workshop for Monday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m.; both scheduling motions passed 5-0. Councilor Paula Stotts moved to appoint Councilor Tarsha Downing as the council's representative to the RSU 16 Futures Task Force; Councilor Darrell Young seconded and the appointment passed 5-0. Councilor Young also moved to accept the MMA ballot as presented; the council voted 5-0 to accept it.

Why it matters: The insurance carrier change affects benefits administration for full-time employees, and offering spouse coverage (at employee cost) expands voluntary benefit options. The appointment to the RSU 16 Futures Task Force gives Mechanic Falls a seat at a regional education planning table.

Provenance: The votes and motions for these items are recorded under New Business starting and concluding at SEG 022 of the transcript.