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Boardman sets up a health savings account
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
BOARDMAN
Township trustees approved a group-rate contract with Medical Mutual of Ohio, and the funding of a health-savings account for township employees.
The total cost is $1,668,733. The one-year contract is effective Friday.
The move from a traditional health care plan to an HSA will save the township about $447,000 a year, said Stephanie Landers, deputy administrator, at a meeting Monday.
An HSA is a tax-exempt account set up to pay or reimburse certain medical expenses incurred by employees.
“It’s not just saving the township money,” trustee Thomas Costello said. “But in the long run, with the savings account, it should hopefully save our employees money as they become better consumers of health care.”
The township employs 153 people in full- and part-time positions.
Also at the meeting, trustees recognized Matthew Thames, 9, for actions that helped save his family and most of his home during a fire.
On March 29, a fire started behind the family’s home. High winds caused the flames to spread and blow toward the house. Matthew saw the flames coming over his bedroom window and alerted his mother. The family was able to escape.
“By his quick actions, we were able to stop that fire from extending into the house and up into the attic,” said Fire Chief Mark Pitzer.
Matthew said he learned the proper action to take, and how to stay calm, at school. He attends Stadium Drive Elementary School.
“That’s awesome,” said Trustee Larry Moliterno. “You’re a hero.”
Every student in the Boardman school district receives fire-safety instruction, Pitzer said.