The Mountain Home City Council was expected to vote on an ordinance amending the definition of dependent in the city’s health and hospitalization plan during Monday’s special session, but before the meeting began, Mayor Hillrey Adams decided to strike the ordinance. Matt Sharp has the details.
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With aldermen Bob Van Haaren and James Whalen absent, Mayor Adams began the nearly hour-long session by telling the audience his reasons for removing the ordinance. He said he talked to the head of every department in the city, and for the time being, he does not feel comfortable with going forward with the ordinance.
The proposed ordinance sought to amend the definition of “dependent” in the city’s health and hospitalization plan. The ordinance was placed on its second reading at the council’s meeting earlier this month, but did not advance to be considered for adoption. Specifically, “dependent” would not have included an employee’s spouse if he/she is offered healthcare coverage outside the city’s plan.
Mayor Adams says while he’s striking the ordinance for now, this issue is not completely put to rest.
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In addition to the input Adams says he’ll get from the city departments and their employees, he will seek input and advice from local business owners going through similar issues as the city.
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The next order of business dealt with the city’s millage rate. Earlier this month, the council approved the resolution keeping the city’s tax rate at two mills, but alderman Jennifer Baker moved to amend the rate to three mills. No alderman would move for a second, and the motion died.
In other business, the council voted to seek an Arkansas Community Assistance Grant. Mayor Adams will apply for assistance from the grant program for the L.C. Sammons Youth Center roof project. The vote for the grant application was unanimous.
The meeting finished with the council going into a nearly 50-minute executive session, but no action was taken.
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