Explanation
January 2004
BACKGROUND: Certain full-time non-uniformed employees in the AFSCME and CMAGE bargaining units and MCP ordinance plan will or have experienced layoffs during the months of January, February, March and April, 2004. This ordinance would provide the continuation of insurance benefits, excluding life and short term disability, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the insurance termination. This ordinance further authorizes that the expenses associated with the extensions of insurance coverage be charged to the unallocated balance of the Insurance Trust Fund.
AFSCME, CMAGE, and MCP representatives are in agreement with the insurance extension for full-time employees who have been terminated through layoff.
Emergency action is recommended to ensure continuation of benefits.
FISCAL IMPACT: Continuation of benefits for ninety (90) days is funded through the 2004 Budget. The expenses incurred due to the extension of insurance coverage will reduce the unallocated balance in the Insurance Trust Fund.
Title
To provide for the continuation of insurance benefits, including medical and prescription drug; and dental and vision, if eligible, for a period of 90 days beginning from the date of the insurance termination for certain full-time non-uniformed employees who were terminated through layoff during the months of January, February, March and April, 2004; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, certain full-time non-uniformed employees were terminated from City employment through layoff during January, February, March and April, 2004; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Administration and authorized representatives of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Ohio Council 8; and Columbus Municipal Association of Government Employees/Communication Workers of America (CMAGE/CWA), Local 4502 and (MCP) Management Compensation Plan to extend certain insurance benefits to said employees for a period of ninety (90) days; and
WHEREAS, Costs associated with the extension of such insurance coverage will be charged to the unallocated balance in the Insurance Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, It is immediately necessary to authorize the expenditure of funds from the Insurance Trust Fund for the purpose of funding the continuance of insurance benefits thereby preserving the public health, safety, peace, prosperity and welfare; Now, Therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That single and family medical, and prescription; and vision and dental coverage, if eligible, will be extended for those full-time employees whose employment was terminated through layoff during January, February, March and April, 2004, for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of the insurance termination.
SECTION 2. That the expenses associated with the extension of insurance coverage shall be charged to the unallocated balance of the Insurance Trust Fund, Fund 502.
SECTION 3. That authorized representatives of AFSCME, CMAGE/CWA and MCP are supportive of the provision of an extension of certain insurance benefits.
SECTION 4. That the employee monthly contribution will be waived for the period of extended coverage.
SECTION 5. For the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten (10) days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.