PLATTSBURGH -- City of Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak wants to eliminate health-insurance coverage for city councilors.
"I have been researching health-care issues since I've been elected, and it is quite obvious to me that with the continued increase in the cost of health care for everyone that we all need to contribute more across the board," Kasprzak said.
Under the mayor's proposed resolution, health-care coverage would be eliminated for existing council members and all future councilors.
A family health-care plan costs between $16,000 and $18,000 per employee.
None of the existing councilors take the coverage. If they did, they would pay 50 percent of the cost, under an agreement established in the early 1990s.
The city offers an incentive of $2,300 to those who do not take health insurance.
Health care costs the city about $6 million a year for its employees and retirees.
"Employees only contribute about $250,000 a year towards that, and this issue is not going away," Kasprzak said.
He met with several other regional mayors at a conference recently and learned that it is rare for elected officials to receive taxpayer-funded health insurance.
He also noted that when negotiations begin later this year he intends to ask the city's unions to pay more for health insurance.
"If we are going to ask the entire workforce to contribute more, then it is only fair that the part-time councilors not be offered health care paid by taxpayers," Kasprzak said.
While many municipalities may not offer health insurance to elected officials, Clinton County does.
Six of the 10 legislators take the health insurance offered by the county. They pay a portion of the cost based on the number of years they have in office.
The most co-payment any legislator has to shell out is 20 percent.
City councilors will mull the mayor's proposal before voting on it at next Thursday's meeting.
jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Mayor to eliminate health insurance for councilors
Kasprzak wants to eliminate health insurance for council
- New Today
-
-
Upcoming ALS Motorcycle Rally to support local families
The event, set for Saturday at the Keeseville Elks Lodge, was first held six years ago to assist the late Johnny Nixon, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease.
-
Upcoming ALS Motorcycle Rally to support local families
- Local News
-
-
Teen on bike struck by car
Tuesday's storms also knocked out power and felled trees in Plattsburgh.
-
Lake Placid man dies in motorcycle crash
Edward L. Brown, 60, was riding his 2003 Harley on State Route 9N in the Town of Black Brook when he lost control, police say.
-
Panel recommends top bidder to run Horace Nye Nursing Home
After touring facilities run by the three bidders for the Essex County facility, a subcommittee has chosen Centers for Specialty Care of New York City.
-
NCCS looking outside of district for interim super
The Northeastern Clinton Central School Board hopes to make an appointment by June 5.
-
New display honors Podres
Signs welcoming visitors to The Town of Moriah will soon feature Dodgers hurler Johnny Podres of Witherbee.
-
AmeriCorps seeks applicants
Deadline is the end of August for the 2012-13 program year.
-
Free on-line classes available at Plattsburgh Public Library
More than 500 courses are available online through the Community Computer and Employment Center.
-
Elks Fishing Tournament in Ticonderoga
The Ticonderoga Elks are holding a free fishing tournament for kids.
-
Road Construction Roundup
A look at road-construction projects around the North Country.
-
Of Interest: May 30, 2012
City hydrant flushing continues.
- May 29, 2012
-
Tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m.
The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms with large hail are forecast, too.
-
Clinton County legislators cut bus runs
Vote unanimous despite some beg to keep service as is.
-
Child Support Unit brings in millions
Parents who don't pay child support as ordered may find their retirements stripped.
-
Crown Point remembers on Memorial Day
After a solemn cemetery tour, 144th Memorial Day parade drew hundreds to honor those who have served and those in harm's way.
-
Keeseville residents give input on dissolution
A committee to study the proposed village dissolution offered two options.
-
CCRS wins Grammy Foundation grant
A $5,500 grant from the Grammy Foundation's Signature Schools program will provide students with greater access to multicultural music.
-
Moriah youth to compete in National Spelling Bee
Nicholas Manfred will take on 277 other spellers starting today in Washington, D.C.
-
Health Department predicts heavy tick season
People can take precautions to prevent Lyme disease infection, including wearing proper clothing, using insect repellent with DEET and checking for ticks on the body whenever in an area where ticks may inhabit.
-
- Recent Article Comments
No Limits for Disabled Hunters at Mich. Base
Victim Identified in Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Radioactive Bluefin Tuna Crossed the Pacific
90 Guns Seized, Dozens Arrested in Oakland
Raw Video: Hail Storm Batters Oklahoma City
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Judge's Ruling Halts Tenn. Mosque Construction
Romney in Las Vegas on Texas Primary Day
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
