Magnolia council authorizes up to 75% of $500 monthly as health-insurance stipend

Magnolia Village Council on Nov. 20 approved an authorization for the village to pay up to 75% of $500 per month toward an employee's health coverage when that employee elects spouse-provided insurance.

The action followed a report from Council member Jim Miller that the village's Aultcare renewal showed a 6% rate increase. An employee told council they could join a spouse’s plan that would provide better coverage and asked whether the village would offer a cash stipend instead. Grant Downes moved to authorize the stipend; Kurt Stanley seconded and the motion carried with an "All Ayes" record. Council directed staff to draft an agreement; the agenda references the authorization as [Res 2024-25].

The vote came amid routine business: the council excused an absent member (Scott Noble) by motion, accepted the Oct. 16 meeting minutes, approved payment of the presented bills, and accepted the Fiscal Officer’s report. Claudia Rogers reported cemetery income of $350 for October.

Council also adopted a resolution recognizing Dec. 13, 2024 as "Judge Jim James Day" in the village; that measure was moved by Claudia Rogers and seconded by Jim Miller and recorded as passed (All Ayes).

The council discussed, but did not finalize, two truck ordinances presented by Grant Downes on recommendation of Chief Chad Schlimm to address no-through-truck routes and oversize/overweight vehicle enforcement; those ordinances were introduced for further consideration.

Next steps: staff will draft the cash-in-lieu agreement for mayoral and council authorization; ordinance language and enforcement details for the proposed truck measures will return to the council for future action.