Retiree health care plan passes (my union headed to court)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20100518/NEWS01/100519513#retiree-health-care-plan-passes

By Maggie O'Brien
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER

The Omaha City Council on Tuesday voted 6-0 to approve the mayor's proposal to require the city's retired police, firefighters and civilian workers to pay for their health insurance.

Councilman Chris Jerram said council members had to approve the ordinance to help deal with rising health costs.

"This is a ship headed for the rocks," he said. "It's on a collision course and it will happen if we don't so something.

Mike Dowd, an attorney for the city's employee unions, said he planned to file a lawsuit against the city Tuesday or Wednesday.

Union officials have said the proposal violates their contract terms. But the city maintains that they can legally enforce the higher premiums.

"I don't want taxes raised, but I am very sensitive to the legal obligations the city has," Dowd said.
Council President Garry Gernandt, a retired police office officer, abstained from voting to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

City officials say the plan will save the city $4.1 million a year.