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Ogdensburg leaders discuss steep health-insurance cost pressures; ARP funds and joint pools suggested
Summary
Mayor Hutnick told the council a statewide mayors' meeting reported a 3% increase negotiated for state employees but an approximate 22% increase for others; CFO Mike Marceau described Chapter 78 rules and that employees could pay as much as about 34% of premiums depending on plan and salary. Council discussed possible mitigation options including ARP funds and joint municipal pools.
Mayor George P. Hutnick told the council on Oct. 12 that he attended a statewide meeting of mayors and legislators where officials reported health-insurance changes affecting municipalities. He said the governor had "already negotiated for State employees a three percent increase" while other employees could see a roughly 22% increase, and described possibilities discussed by mayors, including using American Rescue Plan Act funds to offset costs, extending open enrollment by 30 days, or municipalities forming joint insurance pools.
CFO Mike Marceau explained how Chapter 78 affects employee premium shares, saying the percent an employee pays depends on their plan and salary and that, depending on coverage level and salary, "the highest percent people pay is 34 percent." The council and public discussed the budget impact and potential options but did not adopt any measures at the meeting.
Mayor Hutnick said larger cities raised the option of municipal mutual insurance pools and that officials were still exploring steps to reduce immediate impact on residents and employees.
