Flora's cost savings significant with HSA plan
By Susan Scholl Editor

Flora Town officials voted at Monday night's meeting to again partially fund employee health savings accounts (HSAs).

Last year in an attempt to save money, the town changed its health insurance from a traditional plan to an HSA plan.

According to a report issued by clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman, health insurance expense to the town in 2006 was $234,513. After changing to the employee HSAs for 2007, total cost was $156,388 for a savings to the town of $78,125.

Council president Josh Ayres commented that town employees seem happy with the new plan. He credited Tinsman with doing all the research for the HSA and for helping the town cut its insurance costs.

Reporting for the Park Board, Gail Ennis stated his concern that this year's calendar has Hog Jog Day falling on the same day, June 14, as the Beef Show at Flora Community Park.

"It's going to be a full park that day," he said.

His main concern was with parking, especially for the Beef Show. He was reminded that the town has an ordinance concerning parking during events at the park and the ordinance should take care of any problems that may arise.

Town attorney Dick T. Bishop suggested that a copy of the ordinance be sent to the chairman of the Beef Show and another to the 4-H Extension Board.

Ennis also requested that security personnel hired for the 4- H fair do their jobs. Ayres said that was Flora Community Club's issue and he would bring it to their attention.

Resident Charlotte Hicks asked to speak on several issues. She was not on the agenda and Ayres said that those wishing to bring matters before the council need to call and be placed on the agenda. He said the council would make an exception since it was the first meeting of the year.

Hicks complained that town employees trimmed her tree excessively. She said she believes homeowners should be notified and have input into how much is trimmed. She agreed that it is necessary to trim three feet back from an electrical wire, but in her opinion, more than that is not necessary.

She was told by Ayres that others have requested the town have a policy on tree trimming, but it is difficult to do because there are so many variables to consider.

"Some think the town cuts too much and some think not enough," Ayres said. "Our employees have attended a class on tree trimming and have a book to reference."

He added that the town is always open to suggestions.

Hicks inquired why police patrol outside of town. Councilman David Albaugh responded that police have permission to be within a three-mile radius around the town. He said that every time he follows up on complaints to this issue, he finds that police had a legitimate reason for being where they were seen.

She also asked about the town's policy on open burning. Fire Chief Scott Sisson said that the only fires allowed in town are recreational fires, but if the fire is causing problems or is annoying neighbors, the fire department can put it out.

Complaints about open burning may be directed to police and they will either talk to the person responsible or put the fire out.

The marshal's report for December included 4 arrests, 5 felonies, 8 citations, 2 parking violations, 19 warnings, 103 calls for service, 3 accidents, and 3 warrants served.

Ayres complimented utilities employees on their recent snow removal efforts.

This was the first meeting for newly elected councilman Vince Seward.

"I'm excited to serve on the Council for the Town of Flora," he said. "I hope to use my life experiences to make good decisions for the citizens and the council."

He added that he welcomes discussing issues and concerns with residents.

Officers for 2008 were elected: Ayres will remain as president, while Albaugh will serve as vice president and Seward, finance chairman.

Utilities foreman superintendent Ted Donoho will attend the Indiana Section AWWA meeting Feb. 19-21 in Indianapolis.

The town office will be closed Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

A work session with the fire department will be held Jan. 15. The next regular meeting will be Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.