The City of Chillicothe has approved health insurance coverage for the coming year. Specifically, the council approved changing health plans but remaining with its current carrier, Community Health Plan. The action was taken last (Monday) night during a special city council meeting at City Hall. The city would see a 26 percent increase in its premiums, according to City Administrator Dean Brookshier, if coverage remained at its current level, costing the city $690,954.

With the new plan, three steps down from the current level, employees will only see a 6.7 percent inflation increase along with slightly higher deductibles and copays, bringing the total cost down to $580,218, saving the city over $110,000. “We all have to take a part in this when premiums are so high,” stated Brookshier. Brookshier also stated that due to economic situations, that an increase over last years rate was expected.

The city council also reviewed the upcoming budget for 2008-09. Department heads gave the council and update as to where money was at this point. The city’s new fiscal year will begin April 1, 2009. Following the regular meeting, the council adjourned into closed session.