Wauconda Township residents applaud a new plan that cuts off full medical coverage for township employees’ spouses and children.

Spouses and children of Wauconda Township employees will no longer have free medical coverage, which had been previously provided under an insurance plan.

After a lengthy discussion at a township meeting Wednesday night, officials agreed on a plan that will make employees, including elected officials, pay 5 percent toward insurance for their families next year.

The current insurance policy for employees costs roughly $13,000 a year.

Trustee Gary Thomsen said 24 other townships in Illinois require their employees to pay insurance coverage for their family members.

“It’s a small price to pay,” he said. “I don’t think the taxpayers need to be burdened with that expense, they’ve been flipping the bill long enough.”

The new insurance plan will require employees to pay about $70 extra a month for insurance coverage starting in January, an amount that will gradually rise throughout the years. Officials agreed to add on a 5 percent increase each year for three consecutive years.

Supervisor Glenn Swanson said he’d like to look into other ways to bring down costs.

A recent negotiation of a package with the township’s insurance carrier will save around $40,000 for one year.

“I don’t believe the salaries of employees are inflated or high in any way, shape, or form,” Swanson said. “I think asking them to contribute is a big step.”

Originally, trustees were considering a 10 percent increase, with an additional 5 percent increase each year for three years.

Residents applauded the approved motion Wednesday night, in response to the small relief on taxes that they’ll see with the new plan.

“In no way do I feel that there are any employees here that don’t work hard, but since the economy did take a hit we need to call upon the lower levels of government to make cuts,” said Richard Rowe, a Lake Barrington resident.

However, some residents don’t want to stop at employee’s medical coverage.

A petition with 18 residents’ signatures, filed Tuesday, July 10, calls for trustees to convene a special township meeting to vote on whether to place a referendum on the November ballot regarding elected officials’ benefits. The question would ask residents whether the township should provide funding for retirement benefits, health, dental, and life insurance for elected officials.

Swanson said the requested meeting is currently being discussed with the township clerk and attorney, who are working on scheduling a date before Aug. 24.