The Franklin Town Council voted May 4 to join the N.C. Health Insurance Pool in order to reduce expenses.
The NCHIP is made up of towns and county governments and has about 17,000 people in the pool, according to Town Manager Amie Owens. Macon, Jackson and Swain counties participate in the pool.
The town’s current provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield, had projected a 46.4% increase for employee health insurance coverage.
The town currently has 77 employees covered under the town’s health insurance plan. Owens said by joining a larger insurance pool it gives them more bargaining power and they were able to negotiate down to a 22% increase.
Being a member of NCHIP, will require the town to use Gallagher as the plan administrator, rather than their current local broker, Wayah Insurance.
The Franklin Town Council will hold a budget work session at 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, in the board room on the lower level of Town Hall. A draft of the budget is available on the town’s website, franklinnc.com, and a hard copy is available for review at Town Hall.
During the May 4 Town Council meeting, Owens noted there may be additional adjustments after the May 18 meeting. The public hearing on the budget will be held during the Town Council meeting on June 1. (Note: The print version of this story incorrectly stated the budget was not balanced.)