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Council tables COBRA reimbursement ordinance after finance director flags cost concerns
Summary
Council voted unanimously to table Ordinance No. 2026-61, which would reimburse COBRA/healthcare costs for newly hired employees, after Finance Director Dave Lewis warned the measure could result in duplicate payments and strain the city's budget.
Councilors tabled Ordinance No. 2026-61 after a detailed explanation from Finance Director Dave Lewis about potential unintended costs. Lewis said the measure could force the city to reimburse a month of COBRA even where the new hire later activates city coverage, effectively paying twice for the same coverage in some cases. He also questioned language that appeared to promise 100% coverage while current employer contributions are lower.
Council discussed clarifying language and directed staff to meet to resolve outstanding questions; Mr. Mayo moved to table the ordinance "until further notice" to allow city attorneys and finance staff to revise the draft. The motion, seconded by Ms. Terpenning, passed by unanimous roll call.
