Agenda Item # ______
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
July 22, 2014
Agenda Report # ___
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Benefits Manager Contract
INITIATED: Human Resources Department
Recommendation: Approval is requested of a resolution authorizing a 1-year
benefits manager contract extension with Northwestern Benefits Corporation of
Georgia.
Background: The City entered into a 1-year contract with Northwestern effective
June 1, 2013 and expiring on May 31, 2014. The contract allows annual
extensions for up to one (1) additional one (1) year term, unless either party
gives written notice to the other at least sixty (60) days before the
expiration of the initial or any subsequent term.
During the past three contract year periods, Northwestern has performed well in
all areas, improving our open enrollment processes, maintaining tighter
controls over our benefits carriers, provided timely information about benefits
issues, provided an improved on-line benefits enrollment and management system,
assisting with implementation of employee Health and Wellness Center, and
provided guidance on healthcare reform implementation.
Analysis: The City has invested significant productive resources in
transitioning responsibilities to a benefits manager that continues to
strengthen control over our multi-million dollar benefits investment.
Northwestern has performed well during the past three years of the contract.
They have provided excellent benefits management service to the CCG, our
employees and retirees and to the Retirees? Health Benefits Committee.
Financial Considerations: There is no additional cost to the City for
contracting with Northwestern, as payment for services will continue to be from
commissions.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement: Although an exact number cannot be
calculated, continuing to utilize a benefits manager is expected to generate a
continued positive financial impact.
Legal: Authorization of Council to extend the contract with Northwestern is
required.
Recommendation/Actions: The City Manager, Human Resources Director, Finance
Director and Internal Auditor recommend the proposed contract extension with
Northwestern.
A RESOLUTION
NO.___
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE BENEFITS MANAGER CONTRACT
WITH NORTHWESTERN BENEFIT CORPORATION OF GEORGIA.
WHEREAS, during the past three contract year periods, Northwestern has
performed well in all areas, improving our open enrollment processes,
maintaining tighter controls over our benefits carriers, provided timely
information about benefits issues, provided an improved on-line benefits
enrollment and management system, assisting with implementation of employee
Health and Wellness Center, and provided guidance on healthcare reform
implementation;, and,
WHEREAS, the City entered into a 1-year contract with Northwestern effective
June 1, 2013 and expiring on May 31, 2014. The contract allows annual
extensions for up to one (1) additional one (1) year term. Therefore, it is
requested that Council approve to renew the contract for (1)one additional year
beginning June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
That the City Manager is hereby authorized to renew the annual
contract for benefits manager with Northwestern Benefits Corporation of
Georgia, for (1) one additional year, beginning June 1, 2014 through May 31,
2015.
________________________
Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia, held the
_________ day of ____________, 2014 and adopted at said meeting by the
affirmative vote of ________ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting _______________.
Councilor Baker voting _______________.
Councilor Barnes voting _______________.
Councilor Davis voting _______________.
Councilor Henderson voting _______________.
Councilor Huff voting _______________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _______________.
Councilor Thomas voting _______________.
Councilor Turner Pugh voting _______________.
Councilor Woodson voting _______________.
_________________________________ _________________________
Tiny B. Washington, Clerk of Council Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor
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