SKANEATELES - Skaneateles village trustees are considering a change in health care insurance coverage for its two unions and may be close to contracts with them.
The board Monday voted to extend its current health insurance plan through the end of March, with hopes new agreements may be reached by then. The village has been negotiating with the Civil Service Employees Association and American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees locals since contracts expired in June 2007.
“We think we're close,” Trustee Alan Dolmatch said.
Both sides will need to decide on insurance coverage by April 1. The current model featuring low deductibles is being phased out in the industry, according to consultants the village hired to lay out health care coverage options.
The possibility that the current plan may not be available within a year or two and the high cost associated with the traditional coverage prompted the village to explore alternatives. The coverage would be included in the multi-year contracts with both the CSEA and AFSCME, which represents the village police.
“The unions will have a say whether or not we accept a certain program,” Dolmatch said. “We believe a change in the program can be beneficial to both sides.”
Ongoing negotiations prevent either side from discussing specifics, he said. The board ended Monday's meeting with an executive session regarding labor negotiations.
In other news:
* Village officials have a plan in place for addressing sewer problems on Orchard Road.
A crowd of Orchard Road residents confronted the board about growing problems with the system earlier this month. Mayor Robert Green said Monday the village will investigate sewer discharges in the basements of homes soon.
Officials will conduct house inspections, perform dye tests and install flow meters to determine where excess discharge is coming from. Rainwater seeping into the sanitary sewer system may be part of the problem.
The village will also explore joining the town, which has contracted with engineers to create a storm water discharge plan, Green said.
* The board unanimously appointed Dan Emmi part-time police officer. Trustees also appointed John Paddock to the Dispatch Strategic Planning Committee.
* The board set a hearing on property assessment complaints for 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
“We think we're close,” Trustee Alan Dolmatch said.
Both sides will need to decide on insurance coverage by April 1. The current model featuring low deductibles is being phased out in the industry, according to consultants the village hired to lay out health care coverage options.
The possibility that the current plan may not be available within a year or two and the high cost associated with the traditional coverage prompted the village to explore alternatives. The coverage would be included in the multi-year contracts with both the CSEA and AFSCME, which represents the village police.
“The unions will have a say whether or not we accept a certain program,” Dolmatch said. “We believe a change in the program can be beneficial to both sides.”
Ongoing negotiations prevent either side from discussing specifics, he said. The board ended Monday's meeting with an executive session regarding labor negotiations.
In other news:
* Village officials have a plan in place for addressing sewer problems on Orchard Road.
A crowd of Orchard Road residents confronted the board about growing problems with the system earlier this month. Mayor Robert Green said Monday the village will investigate sewer discharges in the basements of homes soon.
Officials will conduct house inspections, perform dye tests and install flow meters to determine where excess discharge is coming from. Rainwater seeping into the sanitary sewer system may be part of the problem.
The village will also explore joining the town, which has contracted with engineers to create a storm water discharge plan, Green said.
* The board unanimously appointed Dan Emmi part-time police officer. Trustees also appointed John Paddock to the Dispatch Strategic Planning Committee.
* The board set a hearing on property assessment complaints for 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19.
Staff writer Shane Liebler can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or shane.liebler@lee.net
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