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MILFORD - The town of Milford received a large insurance bill the town council doesn't like.
Monday, at the Milford Town Council meeting, clerk-treasurer Charlotte Siegfried said the town employees' medical insurance increased $2,000 per month, from $5,500 to $7,500 per month. The insurance covers eight employees, not counting the new police officer not yet on the insurance. The deductible is $250 per person.
"I think that's an exorbitant increase," said Gary Hurd, councilman. He said he didn't see where that increase was justified.
"It goes up all the time, but this was such a drastic (increase)," said Siegfried.
Douglas Ruch, council chairman, said the town always insured the employees' entire families as a benefit, but now "we're at the insurance crunch." He suggested the council have an insurance workshop and see what their insurance agent has to offer before the May 1 deadline.
The town, councilman Robert Cockburn said, may need to look at making changes in deductions, prescriptions or other areas, because "this is ridiculous."
"I think we owe it to the town to get another quote and at least talk to our agent," said Hurd. He said he'd like to know if they have any leeway with the May 1 deadline and to get at least two other quotes from other insurance agents.
Siegfried was directed by the council to contact other insurance companies and ask them to make proposals at the May 10 meeting at 5 p.m. Each will have 20 minutes to give their proposal and then the council will have 10 minutes to ask questions.
In other business, the town council:
• Approved the purchase of a chlorinator system for the water department for $22,380 installed.
• Opened the bids for mowing of Waubee Lake Park. Veach & Son Mowing, Milford, bid $120 per mowing; Rico & Sons Lawn Care, Leesburg, bid $98 per mowing. The bids were tabled to April 21 at noon so councilman Robert Cockburn could check Rico & Sons' references.
• Approved the park advisory board to purchase up to four picnic tables for approximately $190 apiece.
• Approved a bid from Super Seal to stripe Main Street for $495 and the municipal parking lot for $150.
• Tabled bids for a new telephone system for the police department until the May 10 meeting. Bids included Carl E. Smith's bid of $2,691.60, and New Paris Telephone, $2,649.
The council also approved exploring the possibilities of high speed Internet service for the police department.
• Heard the park advisory board hired three lifeguards and a concession stand worker.
• Heard drinking water week is May 2-8. The public is invited to visit the wastewater and water treatment facilities and ask questions and find out about the town's future plans.
Milford Town Council members are chairman Douglas Ruch, Robert Cockburn and Gary Hurd. They regularly meet at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the second Monday of every month.
