Pope Sets Record Straight on Tilley's Assertions

Let me first say that I like and respect John Tilley. But as the late, great Paul Harvey would say.. Now the rest of the story.

Insurance for life? This discussion started when spouses of retired employees realized that policy had changed around 2009. Retirees with 25 years of service had their insurance paid at 100 percent, but spouses had to PAY 100% for their health insurance. Previously 50 percent of spouses’ insurance premium was covered by the City.

There were Council members who wanted to address this issue for the spouses. Mr. Bethune took this opportunity, on January 23, 2014 (not 2012) to propose some changes. As per official minutes from January 23, 2014: “Vice Mayor Bethune would like to propose that employees that have retired and future retirees that have 25 years of service have their spouse’s health insurance paid at 50%. The retirees’ is paid at 100%.”

After discussion, the minutes continue with … “Vice Mayor Bethune made a motion to have a 90 day window for employees to retire with 25 years of service, for the City to pay 100% of employees health insurance benefits and 50% of spouse coverage, and anyone that has previously retired get credit for 50% on spouse coverage, effective February 1 –May 1.” Motion was approved with Vice Mayor Bethune, Council members Manning and Sewell voting yes, Council member Gravitt passing and then voting yes and Mayor Lambert abstaining. Not a unanimous approval.

At the February 13, 2014 Council Meeting Resolution 2370 was presented to memorialize the Vice Mayor’s motion into Resolution form. Vice Mayor Bethune objected that the resolution “states this benefit will be paid until the age of 65. He stated his motion in the previous meeting did not state an age and this is what Council approved. Mr. Bethune wants to take out the 65 age limit.”

“Council member Sewell made a motion, seconded by Council member Gravitt, to approve Resolution No. 2370 as written with the 65 age limit.” Vice Mayor Bethune and Council member Manning voted no. Council members Sewell and Gravitt voted yes. With Mayor Lambert abstaining, the item was rolled over to the next meeting.

During the Council meeting on February 27, 2014, there was a discussion about Resolution 2370, as there was some confusion as to what was actually voted on. Since the January meeting two employees with 25 years of service had turned in retirement papers with the understanding that 100 percent of their insurance and 50 percent of spouses insurance would be paid by the City for LIFE. There was a great deal of discussion for clarity, with Vice Mayor Bethune saying he meant life even though he didn’t say it, the other council members knew what he meant.

During this meeting, information was given by Andrew Hyatt who was the City Manager (not Tim Gobble as stated by Mr. Tilley). The minutes reflect Hyatt’s thinking: “He (City Manager Hyatt) also stated that savings would only come if the positions are not filled, but stated these two employees would not be replaced.”

Bottom line is that a motion was made by Mayor Lambert and seconded by Council member Gravitt to amend Resolution 2370 as follows: “The window of opportunity for retirement is closed immediately allowing only the two employees that have tendered letters of retirement to be eligible for this benefit.” The vote was unanimous. Motion approved.

If you want to read the minutes of these meeting in their entirety you can file an open records request for them through East Ridge City Hall.

What confusion!! Do we want Mr. Bethune to bring this type of confusion back to city business? My answer to that is “NO.” That is one of several reasons why myself and my family ask you to join us in voting for Brian Williams as our next Mayor of East Ridge!

_ Frances Pope

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