Looking to Save, Village Offers Insurance Buyout for Staff

The village is looking to cut costs on health care expenses for its staff.

On Wednesday, trustees approved a proposal to offer a cash incentive for staff members who waive their option to receive insurance coverage through the village.

Village Manager Steve Gulden said while an existing program is in place for current staff members, the new offer would apply to new hires.

“It’s a cost-saving measure,” Gulden said. “We offer an opt out for health insurance … Several people have taken that opt out.”

Now, three new dispatchers will have the option of taking a $5,000 incentive to decline coverage.

Since it costs the village spends $13,000 for every employee who choses a PPO insurance plan, the savings could be in the thousands.

Mayor John Noak said the offer is one of the village’s “innovative ways to save money that work for everyone.”

Gulden said employees must choose to opt out of coverage.

“It’s not mandatory,” he said.