New Struthers measure affects health coverage for mayor, other officials

By Jeanne Starmack

STRUTHERS — Council has passed legislation that requires elected city officials to use health insurance other than the city’s plan if it’s available to them at the right price.

Exempted is the municipal court judge. The city is required by state law to provide coverage for the judge.

Those who are affected include council members, the mayor, auditor and law director.

The legislation, which goes into effect Jan. 1, will allow officials to remain on the city’s plan if the premium payment on the alternate plan is more than 35 percent of the city’s. It passed unanimously at council’s Wednesday meeting.

The legislation originally was proposed by council member Robert Stouffer, who said it could save around $50,000 a year.

Another attempt to save the city money, proposed by council member Dan Yemma, reduces council members’ stipends by $500. Council members are paid $8,500 a year. The council president is paid $8,400.

Council voted unanimously to reduce the stipend, but it isn’t clear if that means the reduction will happen without further action.

Mayor Terry Stocker said Thursday legislation to amend the salary ordinance should have been prepared ahead of time. He said council might have to have a special meeting by the end of the year to pass the legislation.

Robert Stouffer, who seconded Yemma’s motion to reduce the stipend and is chairman of council’s legislative and finance committee, said legislation can be brought to the floor under new business. He said, though, that Wednesday’s legislation wasn’t “passed as read.” He said he isn’t sure why.

Yemma believes no more action is needed.

“The legislation stands, because there was a motion made under new business and it passed 7-0,” he said. “It needs nothing further. It’s law.”

Anthony Protopapa, council president, did not return a call to comment.