Explanation
BACKGROUND:
In 2017, the City of Columbus negotiated Memorandum of Understanding #2017-02 between the Columbus Board of Health and the Ohio Council 8, AFSCME Local 2191; Memorandum of Understanding #2017-06 between the City and Ohio Council 8, AFSCME Local 1632; Section 18.1(E) of the 2023-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with the CWA to provide funding for the Ohio AFSCME Care Plan. This commitment was reapproved during the last round of negotiations. The AFSCME Care Plan provides a hearing aid benefit for AFSCME Local 2191, AFSCME Local 1632, and CWA employees. Per this agreement, payments are to be made annually in June and December. The payment is $3.00 per covered employee. The city assumes no other role in the Care Plan. To maintain this program, funding is necessary to ensure continuation of services for January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
Fiscal Impact: Funding for this agreement totaling $30,000.00 is budgeted in the 2026 Employee Benefits Fund, medical subfund. This ordinance allows payments to be made in June, 2026 and December, 2026 per the negotiated agreement.
Title
To authorize the Interim Director of the Department of Human Resources to expend $30,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, from the Employee Benefits Fund for the Ohio AFSCME Care Plan for Hearing Aid Benefits for AFSCME and CWA employees. ($30,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, funds for this expenditure for AFSCME and CWA employees are currently available and designated for this purpose in the Employee Benefits Fund, medical subfund.
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the expenditure of $30,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for the AFSCME Cares Plan for Hearing Aid Benefits for AFSCME and CWA employees is hereby authorized to be expended as follows:
Department: 4602 | Fund: 5502 | Subfund: 550206 | Program: RM007 | Amount: $30,000.00 (Ohio AFSCME Care Plan)
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.