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EAST PALESTINE -- The village is looking at alternative health care plans in an effort to reduce costs.
On Sept. 28 it was announced that the newly formed Health Care Review Committee will meet soon for the purpose of reviewing the proposed plan and seeking information on affordability compared to other municipalities.
Council Clerk Misti Martin said that last year the village began exploring alternative health care plans after identifying healthcare costs are a substantial portion of the annual expenditures.
The village currently has health care insurance through Anthem for its 32 employees eligible for coverage.
"It is the goal of the village to ensure that our employees have access to high-quality affordable health care," she said.
The committee includes members of the administration, FOP, teamsters and council members.
Martin said that in addition to reviewing the proposed new plan, committee members will also have an opportunity to ask questions to the provider and consult with other local entities prior to making any changes.
Martin said the village's 2026 annual premium is approximately $600,000.
Non-bargaining and FOP members pay 10 percent of the premium for their specific tier (employee, employee/child, employee spouse, family), while the Teamsters contract states all Teamsters employees pay $80 per pay no matter what tier they are in, she explained.
In other matters during the recent meeting the public was reminded of the upcoming public hearing set for 6:15 p.m. Oct. 26 in the municipal building regarding the proposed Joint Economic Development District.
The regular council meeting will follow the public hearing that evening at 7:30 p.m.
A public hearing will also be held by Unity Township at 6 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Moose Lodge.
Martin also announced that council will have another student representative this year -- Marley Blythe.
Blythe will report on what is happening at the East Palestine School District and take information from council meetings to report back to the students.