Employee health insurance plan awarded to Avera Health

Le Mars city council members Tuesday voted to continue the city's Employee Health Plan with Avera Health with Northwood continuing as the city's reinsurance carrier.

City Finance Director Bill Cole said that while the plan represents a 10 percent cost increase, the plan was the lowest of 15 proposals received. Despite the increase, he said, the city will be paying less for the insurance fixed costs in 2009 than in 2006 due to the health contract accepted at that time.

Members also approval renewal of a Class C Liquor License and outdoor service area request from Louie's Place and granted cigarette permits to 10 local businesses.

The council, following a public hearing Tuesday, approved the requested rezoning for Koopman's First Addition from rural to residential as recommended earlier by the Planning and Zoning Commission.