By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
The City of Whitewater will continue offering benefits through the Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program in 2016, following a recent decision by elected officials.
The Common Council on Oct. 6 adopted a resolution that re-ups the municipality with the organization. In the year ahead, WPE’s insurance will add a voluntary dental coverage component.
If a city staffer elects to have dental coverage through WPE, he or she will have to fund the full cost of the premium.
“The level of dental coverage provided under this new program option will be higher than the current city-sponsored dental benefit at a lower monthly premium,” City Manager Cameron Clapper said. “Eligible employees opting out … will still have the ability to enroll in the current city-sponsored dental program.”
In other recent business, the Common Council:
- Approved an annual agreement between the city and employees within the Whitewater Communications Center in 2016. The revised agreement reflects wage rates that both parties are in mutual agreement.
- Entered into agreements with two private towing companies: Fero’s Automotive and Mills Automotive, both located in Whitewater. The cost to contract to the two operations will be on a per-call basis.
- Awarded a $3,845 contract with Madison-based CGC Inc. for soil testing work in anticipation of future reconstruction projects. The company will conduct its analysis on portions of Ann, Center and Franklin streets and Boone Court.
- Entered into a $24,950 contract with Riedl and Son, of Fort Atkinson, to replace the roof on the city-owned Starin Park building. City officials assert the existing roof is in need of replacement.
- Awarded a $23,302 contract to Janesville-based Midwest Tree and Excavating for the installation of fiber optic cable at the city wastewater treatment plant. This city-owned site is one of a small handful of facilities that still are not connected to a fiber network.
