Des Plaines leaders want health coverage in city code
Des Plaines aldermen took the first step Monday night toward putting into city code something they already receive: taxpayer-funded health insurance benefits.
The 6-2 first reading vote - which constitutes a veto-proof majority - will come back for a second reading final vote March 21.
The mayor, who doesn't take the city's health and dental insurance himself, has said he would "use the tools available" to him to ensure the benefits are ended.
He unilaterally decided last month to get rid of the perks for all elected officials at the end of their current terms of office.
City officials said they couldn't find any language in the city code saying elected officials are entitled to them, even though it's been the practice of the city for at least three decades.
The city's general counsel, Peter Friedman, recommended aldermen adopt an ordinance that spells out the benefits in writing if they wanted to keep them.
The six aldermen who voted Monday for the ordinance all currently accept city health and dental insurance coverage. Those who voted "no" - Aldermen Denise Rodd and Don Smith - don't accept the coverage. The only other elected official who receives city coverage is City Clerk Gloria Ludwig.
Rodd first called for the benefits to be discontinued when she ran for election in 2013.
"It is apparent we have a philosophical difference about public service and what constitutes appropriate compensation," Rodd said. "While the outcome of today's vote is not one I would've hoped for, I am encouraged over the last three years this issue is being put in the light."
Aldermen who voted for the ordinance didn't speak in favor of it Monday, though they have at past meetings. Supporting their position was Mary Rohde, a Des Plaines resident and former Maine Township collector.
"It's not a part-time job, and it's such a small stipend," Rohde said. "We want good people to run for office. I think there needs to be some sort of a reward."
Officials who accept the city health plan must pay 12 percent of premium costs; the city picks up the remainder. Last year, coverage for elected officials cost the city $92,692.
If approved on second reading, the ordinance could be vetoed by the mayor as early as April 4, setting up a potential vote to override it April 18.