(KTNC) - Mound City Aldermen approved a motion to renew the city’s group health insurance plan a month early during a special meeting Wednesday morning.
The city’s plan, through Blue Cross Blue Shield, normally comes up for renewal on January 1st. After meeting with Blue Cross agent Tim Becks, aldermen agreed to a December 1st renewal date and to lock in the rate for the next two years.
The decision was made after the company told the city they anticipate a rate increase of 20-to-50 percent for more than one-third of their small employee groups in January 2014.
By renewing early, the Mound City Council locked in a premium rate increase of 8.9-percent this coming December, and a rate cap of 9.9-percent for the December 2013 renewal.
In other business during the special session, Mayor Chris Krueger told the council he’s been asked to explore whether Mound City could implement a tax on motel rooms. Mayor Krueger said the state legislature would have to approve legislation specifically granting the city the authority to put the issue to a vote of the people.
The tax revenue from a hotel-motel tax is to be used for tourism purposes, but some laws allow for other uses. Mayor Krueger suggested the city could hire an economic developer to promote Mound City.
There are several state laws in Missouri that give specific cities and counties the ability to impose a hotel-motel tax. And while several of the laws don’t name the cities specifically, it’s unlikely that Mound City would qualify to use the tax under existing law.
Alderwoman Kristine Gibson met with architect Terry Clark regarding the pool bathhouse roof. Clark will have a cost estimate prepared for the November 8th meeting.
At the bequest of Beth Brown, a memorial fund has been established for the Mound City Pool bathhouse renovation project. The funds will be placed into a separate escrow account in the Pool fund and be earmarked for the project.
© MSC News
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Severe storms move through NE KS
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Commission approves agreement for budget help
Pawnee City School Board approves personnel changes
Council hears report from golf course
Richardson County accepted into managed call handling program
LATEST STORIES
Nemaha NRD honoring Stewardship Week
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Peru State faculty member to be honored
Nebraska Primary Election reminders
Severe storms move through NE KS
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Richardson County Board approves pay raise for dispatchers
RELATED STORIES
Golf Legend Involved in Holt County Building Project
Mound City Rural Fire Department Has Busy Year
Mound City Market Square Day Celebration
Mound City Council Approves Water Tower Painting
Mound City Alderman Endorse Holt Co Economic Development Plant
Christmas Fun in Mound City Saturday