On Wednesday city officials approved amending changes to the medical insurance they offer to city employees.

The amendment extends the length of time employees need to work for the city full time to receive medical benefits from 30 months to 44 months.

Council members expressed differences of opinion on the matter.

“With the family coverage we provide, it is possible that potential city employees could not afford to work here,” councilwoman Ann Brown said.  “If my husband was looking for a job here, there is no way he would take it.”

But councilman Bill Rutledge said people looking for jobs make their own decisions based on benefits.

“They don’t have to take it.  We have a responsibility to protect the city.”

Mayor Paul Jennings echoed Rutledge’s opinion.

“We are here to be good stewards of the city’s funds.  We don’t need to jeopardize the city’s ability to provide funds.”

The city will provide single coverage at 50 percent at a cap of $400.  

Rates for single coverage have increased from $400 to $412.  Employees will now be responsible for the $12 difference.

In addition to the $400 cap for single coverage, the city will provide a $275 cap for family coverage for a total of $675.

In other actions at Wednesday’s regular meeting, the council:

—Appointed the mayor to head up the administrative duties for FEMA’s national flood insurance program.

—Approved entering into an agreement with St. Clair County for right-of-way cutting on city-maintained roads, and the county will work on the project at their convenience.  The total cost of the project is $11,400.  The city will is responsible for 50 percent of the cost ($5,700).