City department heads, one after another, approached the City Council this week pledging their commitment to reducing costs and spending.

Clerk-Treasurer Ann Copley last month challenged city leaders to join her in turning down heat in buildings, keeping lights off in areas not in use and finding other ways to help the city save for expected revenue shortfalls in 2010.

Copley received input from each department head on their cost-cutting measures including city vehicles being turned off during stops rather than being allowed to idle; light switches in the off position more often than not; and thermostats hovering at 55 degrees in some city buildings.

“When you’re moving around it’s not too bad,” Parks Director Danny Matthew said regarding the indoor chill in the air.

A newer efficient heating system at the police department is expected to save $25,000 to $30,000 over the next two years, according to Police Chief Ron Cameron.

The Animal Shelter has sealed windows and, according to Animal Warden Mark Nickel, “got a shelter cat so I don’t have to buy a mouse trap.”

Rushville Fire Chief Chuck Jenkins is following people around the station turning off lights.

“It’s like being at home with your kids,” he said of his new role of light monitor.

Jenkins also announced the upcoming retirement of firefighter George Coons. Coons began his firefighting career Aug. 12, 1980.

“It’s been a run,” he said. “The city’s been good to me.”

Coons and his family plan to continue their involvement and service to the community including events like the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration.

Chief Jenkins received approval from the Board of Works to begin the hiring process, searching for Coons’ replacement. It was noted that a new hire will be at a lower pay rate, also saving budget dollars this year.

Council President Bill Goins again outlined the many efforts underway by community members and local businesses to renovate the softball field with donation after donation helping to reduce overhead costs. Goins said volunteers from ages 10 to 70 have been helping and will be back at it at 9 a.m. this Saturday.

He encouraged Council members to stop by and thank the volunteers who will be there working and invited anyone in the community to come out and help.

In a major move to help stave off looming health insurance cost increases this year the Council approved offering city staff the option of choosing a Health Savings Account (HSA) for their coverage. The city had been facing an approximately $90,000 increase in coverage because of increased claims in 2009.

Going with an HSA option has several benefits, according to Kevin Mandrell of Brown & Brown Insurance.

The new plan will be explained in detail to city employees and their families in the coming weeks.

A significant plus is the limiting of out-of-pocket expenses to the individual and their families in addition to allowing them to tap pre-tax dollars in saving for those expenses. Money remaining in their health accounts will also roll-over each year rather than disappear.

Goins made a motion and Darrin McGowan seconded the motion for the city to contribute quarterly to a HSA account if employees choose that option totaling $1,000 for individuals and $2,500 for families.

Mandrell explained that Batesville recently had gone with HSA as an option for employees. During the first round of sign-ups about 88 percent opted for HSA coverage. By the second enrollment period, 100 percent chose HSA as their coverage plan.

Mayor Merv Bostic and Goins also discussed continued planning on the Main Street Improvement project. The traffic light at Seventh and Main has been removed. Planning is also underway by all construction partners as attention turns later in the year to the Sexton and Main Street intersection and North Main Street areas. Many options are being considered, including doing major construction at night to try and minimize the impact on local businesses and drivers in the area.



Melissa Conrad is a southern Rush County resident and freelance writer. Add a comment at www.rushvillerepublican.com.