(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved renewal of the city employee health insurance plan for 2026 with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.

The total premium will cost the city $457,670, which is an about 7 percent increase.

City Administrator Brad Scott said they had been budgeted for a 10 percent increase.

The Commission also approved the renewal of the city employee dental insurance plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield at a total premium cost of $27,619, which is a 26 percent increase.

The city currently pays for 100 percent of an employee's health and dental insurance, and 74.5 percent of dependent coverage.

In other business, the Commission approved the adoption of a resolution removing the property located at 1011 Kickapoo Street from the list of properties to be razed and removed by the city. The action is being taken to allow of the sale of the property to go through. No costs will be assessed against the property

The Commission accepted a bid from Pay Up Sucker Promotions, of Everest, for the annual Third of July fireworks display, and authorized the purchase of the fireworks immediately to mitigate any possible problems with tariffs. It was among two bids received. They will put on a 25-30 minute show for a cost of $15,000..

The Commission accepted the lone bid received from J & B Contractors, of Hiawatha, for concrete work for the 2026 season.

Also at the request of Fire Chief Patrick Sheldon, the Commission approved the donation of 800 feet of fire hose to the Everest Fire Department that the Hiawatha Fire Department doesn't need.