Mendon board votes to apply to Greater Tompkins County municipal health-insurance consortium

The Mendon board voted to submit an application to the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium, a cooperative intended for municipalities with under 100 employees, after a discussion of costs and timelines. Chair (speaker 3) introduced the resolution and said, "There is no cost to the town of Mendon to join this consortium at this time." The vote authorized staff to file an application for consideration by MHIC.

Board members and staff discussed what joining would mean in practice. The Benefits coordinator (speaker 1) asked for clarity about fees and noted that "we still have to pay the Brown and Brown that thousand dollars," referring to a separate broker/administrative charge. Chair explained the timing: the board needs to signal interest ahead of MHIC’s meeting on Sept. 24, and can withdraw before the consortium’s vote if the board later decides not to proceed. Chair said the August 10 informational Zoom for applicants will allow members to ask detailed questions.

Members pressed for comparisons before making a final enrollment decision. Chair summarized proposed next steps: obtain comparative rate sheets (including dental and vision cost estimates), have the town attorney review contract language, and schedule the item for decision at an upcoming meeting after the August informational session. The board moved to apply and recorded a vote in favor with no recorded opposition.

The board’s motion authorizes the town to submit an application and directs the town supervisor to execute any documents necessary to complete the membership application, subject to attorney review. The matter will return to the board after staff compiles cost comparisons and counsel reviews the consortium’s membership terms.