California aldermen approve health insurance for workers

Gary Davis is a PE (professional engineer) for Bartlett and West engineering firm. (California Democrat file photo)
Gary Davis is a PE (professional engineer) for Bartlett and West engineering firm. (California Democrat file photo)

The City of California Board of Aldermen entered into an hour-long discussion with city supervisors over health insurance coverage during Monday evening's meeting.

Sherri Haverstick, a benefits specialist from Mike Keith Insurance, insurance broker for the City of California, visited the board to discuss health insurance options for city employees offered by United Health Care Insurance.

Aldermen were given a few options by its insurance company for coverage plans that would work best for the city and its employees. After some initial discussion, aldermen and supervisors entered into a thorough conversation regarding how this would affect workers.

Ultimately, aldermen chose the option that requires the city pay a $4,000 deductible for employees, a $3000 increase compared to its previous deductible payment. However, the plan will have an addendum stating workers will still be required to cover their copays when needed.

In other action:

• Gary Davis, a project manager for Bartlett and West, and Water and Sewer Supervisor Kyle Wirts reported to the board they have received multiple bids from companies looking to build the city's new Windmill Ridge booster pump station. The aldermen accepted a bid from Gene Haile Excavating, Inc to start the project.

• Moniteau County R-I School District Assistant Superintendent Matt Abernathy approached the board to discuss plans for parking expansion at California Elementary and Middle schools. Construction would remove an island in front of the campus, replacing it with additional parking spaces. However, board members decided to table discussion for a following meeting. Streets supervisor Vic Maurer will look over the area and plan with Abernathy to see if it will cause any issues with snow blowing.