City Councilors Stripped of Health Benefits

At the end of October, city councilors will no longer be eligible for medical and dental benefits funded by taxpayer dollars, saving the city $48,933 annually, according to documents provided to the budget commission.

During Tuesday's meeting held in , Michael O'Keefe, chairman of the commission, said elected officials should "lead by example." By consensus, the commission agreed eliminate the option. Councilors pay a 20 percent co-share.

"Now we're going to have to foot the bill," said Mayor Bruce Rogers.

"Really, they foot the bill," replied O'Keefe motioning to audience members in the room.

City councilors' annual stipends ranging from $3,500 to 4,500 were not discussed; the payments are mandated in the city charter.

Mayor Bruce Rogers is the only councilor who is not on a city's medical plan, according to budget commission documents.