News : Health insurance costs remain steady for Vinton city employees

When the Vinton City Council planned its budget for this fiscal year, they figured on a 15 percent increase for the health care premiums for city employees. Instead, the council learned during its meeting last week that because the number of claims among employees and family members has stayed low, there will be virtually no increase in the premium for this year. That means a savings of more than $53,000 for the city.

City Coordinator Andy Lent said the city budgeted a total of $407,269 for the health insurance premiums for employees in departments covered by the general fund, water and sewer funds. Instead, the actual cost will be approximately $354,147.

Lent told the council that the savings will not be returned to the general fund, but rather either be applied to future increases. It's also possible that the savings could mean a slightly lower tax levy for that line item, if insurance costs continue to remain steady.

Insurance professionals Bob Moen and Bob Hanna explained to the council the details of the city's plan, which is managed by Wellmark.