Council approves retiree health insurance benefits

At its regular meeting on Thursday, the Sierra Vista City Council approved the reinstatement of a health insurance benefit that allows retired City employees, with adequate years of continuous service, to retain health coverage until they are Medicare eligible.

This allows City employees reaching a normal retirement with the Arizona State Retirement System or Public Safety Retirement System to retain healthcare coverage for themselves through the state health insurance plan. The City offered a similar benefit until July 1, 2012, when it was discontinued due to budget concerns. It is being implemented again to help retain employees longer to reduce recruitment demands.

Under the benefit, City employees reaching normal retirement who have 20 years of continuous service with the City since July 1, 2012, will be reimbursed for the out-of-pocket premium for the state health insurance coverage. Employees who have less than 20 years of service with the City but have 10 or more years of service since July 1, 2012, must pay a pro-rated share of the premium. The City will reimburse 5 percent per year worked based on years of City service with 20 years being 100%

In other business the City Council approved:

• The proceedings of the Industrial Development Authority of the City of Sierra Vista regarding the issuance of education facility revenue refunding obligations for the San Tan School Project in an amount not to exceed $18 million. This action has no impact on the City’s budget because the IDA is a separate entity, however the City Council’s approval is required to finalize the issuance of bonds by the IDA. The City has no fiscal liability associated with the issuance or repayment of the bonds.
• The designation of the City Chief Financial Officer as the City’s agent for completing all documentation for receiving donations.
• Moving forward for a 30-day public comment period amendments to Chapters 150 and 152 of the City Code of Ordinances, adopting the latest International Building Codes and updating local codes with minor changes. One new amendment pertains to residential homes using battery storage systems.
• The appointment of Chanse Frenette to the Commission on Disability Issues, said term to expire April 30, 2025.
• The appointment of Shelly Short to the Environmental Stewardship Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2025.
• The appointment of Anthony Isom to the Transportation Commission, said term to expire April 30, 2025.

The Sierra Vista City Council also recognized the 2022 Sierra Vista Police Department award winners.

More information from Thursday’s City Council meeting is available in the supporting documents for the Thursday, June 8, City Council meeting. They can be accessed via the City’s website at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-documents.

City Council meetings can be streamed live and past meetings can be viewed on YouTube. The meetings are also aired on Cox Channel 12. Learn more at www.sierravistaaz.gov/government/city-council/council-meetings or on this page.