More money in the pockets of Hays city employees next year

Erin Giebler, director of human resources, explains the Aetna health insurance policy for city of Hays employees.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Most employees of the city of Hays will see a pay increase in 2016.

Commissioners Thursday night approved the 2016 pay plan and job classification which includes a $2,050 annual pay increase and increases the minimum of the pay grade by $1,500 annually.

The total amount of the pay increases is about $280,675 with $171,637 coming out of the General Fund, $52,590 from the Enterprise and Miscellaneous Funds, and Benefits at $56,448.

City Manager Toby Dougherty and some part-time, seasonal, and volunteer personnel are not included in the pay raise.

Following considerable research by the city Wage and Benefit Committee, commissioners also approved its recommendation to provide employees with a dual option health insurance plan from Aetna, with the city paying $1,719,500 out of the Employee Benefit Levy Fund.

The premium plan will be offered with the same maximum out of pocket as 2015; however, this plan will cost enrolled employees 8.31% of the premium. That will keep costs to the city within the $9,500 average per employee cap the commission set in 2010. This is the first time some city employees will have to pay a portion of the premium. The base plan will be the no-cost option and will have a higher maximum out of pocket.

Erin Giebler, director of human resources, told commissioner James Meier numerous changes were made to the city’s health insurance coverage since 2010 “in order to get the best deal for our money.”

“Part of that is the no-cost option is great for our employees. Employees will tell you ‘We still pay. We pay the deductible.’ But the ones paying the deductible and paying the higher premium plan are the ones using the insurance. The ones who aren’t using the (premium plan) insurance aren’t paying as much because they don’t have the premium cost,” Giebler said.

All the commissioners thanked Giebler for her work on the plan.

Click here to see the 2016 job classification and details of the Aetna employee health coverage plans.

In other business, the commission approved a proposal from Adams, Brown, Beran and Ball of Hays for the 2015 audit year with the option to renew the next four fiscal years. The cost is not to exceed $41,346 and will be funded from the City Clerk/Finance Professional Services budget.