Island City Employees To Pay More for Health Insurance
By Karen Gould

Beginning January 1, Mackinac Island city employees will share more of the cost of their health care insurance through increased copayments. The city, to reduce a proposed 10.3% hike in insurance premium payments for next year, opted to shift some of the cost to employees. The move will mean more out-of-pocket costs for city workers when they make medical office visits or fill prescriptions, while the change will save the city about $14,000 in premiums.

Medical coverage will not be affected.

For medical office visits, costs will increase $10, from $20 per visit to $30. Prescription drugs will increase to $10.60 for generic brands and $60 for name brands. That is a change from the current rate of $5.50 for generic drugs and $50 for brands.

The decision was made by Council Wednesday, December 5, and affects 23 city employees, including one from the Medical Center and 13 from the Department of Public Works, which reimburses the city for its portion.

With the change, the city's costs will rise 3.7%, adding $8,000 to its annual insurance bill. In 2008, with the increase, the city expects to pay approximately $223,400 for health insurance coverage to Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The city's Finance Committee recommended the change.

In other business, Council approved three off-Island business permits, including a photography business, Tavla Studios of Kalamazoo, Vic Daily Carpentry of Carp Lake, and Coy Fire Protection of Kalkaska.

Two temporary motor vehicle permits were issued to Coleman Engineering of Iron Mountain for drilling at the Mackinac Island Airport. In recent years, sinkholes have formed near and on the runway. The company was conducting geological testing to determine subsurface conditions to prevent future sinkholes from forming.

Two temporary motor vehicle permits were approved for Maverick Construction of St. Ignace to remove debris from demolition work at the Mustang Lounge and Astor Street Cafe.

A street cut request on French Lane received approval by council for Edison Sault Electric Company. The cut will be made to replace overhead conductors with underground cable behind the Windermere Hotel.

Council waived the fee for using Community Hall for a December 16 Christmas party for tribal children.

Patrick Sinclair's Irish Pub received approval for three outdoor parties it will hold during the winter. The events put on by the Main Street establishment call for sidewalk and partial street blockage. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission already has given preapproval for the Super Bowl Tailgate Party, a Snow Volleyball Fundraiser, and a St. Patrick's Day Jamboree, said owner Chris Szabo. He now will seek approval from the Michigan Department of Transportation for use of the street, which is a segment of M-185.

Council agreed to send a letter of appreciation to Henry Dombroski of Cheboygan for the donation of the Island's Christmas tree. The 20- foot Colorado blue spruce stands in the middle of Main Street, across from the Arnold Transit Dock.

Council also extended sympathy to Kay Hoppenrath, who attended the meeting. Mrs. Hoppenrath's mother, Cecelia Flanagan, died November 28 at age 100.