Public Meetings - Jackson, Mississippi

The City of Jackson's Finance Committee met on February 20, 2026, to consider a proposal from Amick and Company, CPAs and Consultants, to conduct the city's audits for fiscal years 2024 and 2025. Council members questioned the firm's experience, timeline, cost, and compliance with Mississippi state requirements, and voted to advance the engagement out of committee with conditions. Discussion Items - Audit Proposal Presentation: Dr. Douglas Allen of Amick and Company (Louisville, KY) presented a proposal to audit FY2024 and FY2025. The proposed timeline: start planning March 1, 2026; on-site fieldwork March–April; year-end fieldwork in May; report finalization by June 30, 2026 for FY2024. Then move immediately into FY2025 audit, with completion by September 15, 2026. Cost: $500,000 fixed fee for both years. - Firm Qualifications: Dr. Allen has 26 years of experience and holds rare designations. The firm's largest current municipal client is Mount Washington, KY (population 40,000). Council members expressed concern about the firm's lack of experience auditing a city of Jackson's size (pop. 127,000) and no prior work in Mississippi. - 22 Audit Findings from FY2023: Dr. Allen noted the prior audit had 22 findings. He stated the firm would review management's corrective actions and recommend improvements to prevent repeat deficiencies. - Component Units: Discussion about required component units: Jackson Redevelopment Authority (JRA) and Jackson Municipal Airport Authority. The convention center and Jackson Water (calendar-year, cash-basis) were also raised. Previous auditor struggled incorporating Jackson Water. Dr. Allen said he would evaluate whether additional units must be included. - State Licensure and Legal Compliance: CFO Jillian Caldwell noted the firm has applied for Mississippi state board licensure (expected approval in March). City Attorney Drew Martin warned that the firm must also register with the State Auditor's Office. Council members agreed the engagement must be contingent on meeting all state requirements. Dr. Allen committed to completing registration immediately. - Other Concerns: Councilman Grizzell and others noted prior auditor delays due to tax season. Dr. Allen assured dedicated audit staff separate from tax work. Councilman Hawkins highlighted the fixed fee as a cost savings over prior audits. Councilwoman Clay emphasized the need for a firm that can help build internal controls to avoid repeat findings. Key Outcomes - Motion to Substitute Document: Approved unanimously to replace the original agenda item with a version that includes the State Tort Claims Fund audit. - Motion to Approve Audit Engagement Letter (as amended): Moved to approve the engagement letter with Amick & Company for FY2024 and FY2025 audits, contingent on the firm obtaining all required Mississippi state licensure and registration. The motion passed out of committee. - Next Steps: The final contract will include contingency language; full council vote required to finalize the engagement.

On February 16, 2026, the Jackson City Council’s Public Works Committee held a public hearing to discuss House Bill 1677, which would create a new regional water authority to replace the federally-appointed Jackson Water. The meeting featured presentations from city officials and extensive public testimony. No vote was taken; the council planned to deliberate privately afterward. Administration Presentation - Mayor Horn (unidentified by name in transcript) opened by explaining that 3.5 years ago Jackson’s water system collapsed, leading to federal takeover. The proposed nine-member authority would give Jackson control of six seats (mayor, two mayor appointments confirmed by council, one each from Byram and Ridgeland confirmed by council, and one from the Greater Jackson Chamber). The authority would lease the city’s wastewater system, assume $200 million in debt, and dissolve once debt is paid, returning the system to the city. The mayor framed this as regaining control and reducing city debt, urging the council to make a “tough decision.” - City Attorney Drew Martin detailed the legislative history, noting an earlier version gave the state six of nine seats. HB 1677 is a significant improvement. He stressed that the authority’s creation requires a transition plan approved by federal court and a lease negotiated with the city. - Bond Counsel Trey Harrison stated the authority would allow refinancing of the city’s $197 million debt, improving the city’s bond rating and cash flow. - Financial Consultant Michael Thomas highlighted that Jackson Water’s collection rate is only 62%, and the new authority must improve billing and collections to 95%. Public Comments & Testimony - John Bird (VP, Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods) expressed concerns about board makeup, billing, grievance process, and meter accuracy, but concluded residents are “caught between a rock and a hard place” and the bill offers a way out. - Jennifer Welch (Vesica Real Estate, Chamber & Planning Commission) supported the bill but recommended adding multifamily housing provider representation on the board and a 30-day deadline for information requests. - Pauline Rogers (homeowner, business owner, re-entry provider) opposed HB 1677, calling for a forensic audit, billing caps, no shutoffs during disputes, and other consumer protections before any governance change. - Nisham B. Lambright Haynes (Jackson NAACP) opposed, citing lack of a clear sunset provision, loss of democratic oversight, and risk of rate increases. She demanded a sunset clause, affordability analysis, and structured community input. - Robert Gibbs (attorney, business owner) supported the bill, stating it gives the city majority control and removes $200 million in debt, calling opposition “a no-brainer.” - Jeffrey Taylor (resident, taxpayer) supported the bill as the “lesser of other evils,” highlighting the dual checks of mayor nomination and council confirmation. - Bishop Ronald Krudik (Fellowship of International Churches, Jackson Downtown Partners) supported the bill, noting the city gains control over its water system and debt relief, and urged council to support it and lobby state senators. - Rochelle Gibson (Alderwoman, Byram) expressed concern that Byram, with 14,000 customers, has inadequate representation on the board, saying “we don’t have a say so.” - Dominic Delion expressed hesitancy, wanting more time to review the 133-page bill, and asked what happens if council rejects a Byram/Ridgeland nominee. - Danielle Holmes (water rights activist) opposed, questioning protections against rate increases and whether residents will bear the financial burden. She argued public water must remain public. - Richard Grant (DSA, Army National Guard) opposed due to lack of democracy, suggesting an interlocal agreement like the airport authority instead. - State Representative Justice Gibbs explained the negotiation process: the delegation insisted on city control, and the bill is the best achievable given the state’s Republican supermajority. He voted “present” out of respect for council concerns but called the bill the best option. - Gary Brown (business owner) recounted personal billing and service issues with Jackson Water, seeking help, but was directed to resolve outside the hearing. Discussion Items - Councilwoman Thompson asked the city attorney to clarify the confirmation process for Byram/Ridgeland nominees: the mayor must nominate and council confirm; if not approved, a new nominee is sought. She also asked about constitutional due process rights under the new authority vs. Jackson Water. Attorney Martin explained that as a public entity, the authority must provide due process (notice, hearing for disputes), unlike Jackson Water, a private corporation. - Councilman Foote had no questions. - Chairman (unidentified) expressed frustration that the bill was brought without prior public hearings, stating “the people must always be informed.” - Multiple speakers questioned debt repayment: the city attorney clarified the authority’s revenue from ratepayers secures the debt; the city remains a guarantor until refinancing. - Danielle Holmes asked about $35.6 million in EPA funds. Financial consultant Michael Thomas said $15.5 million went to Jackson Water, $2.9 million to the city, with $5 million unused and possibly returned. - Councilman (unidentified) asked Jackson Water representative Ted Hennefin about billing data accuracy. Hennefin clarified that the often-cited 62% collection rate compares bills sent vs. payments received in the same month, which is misleading; revenue collection is over 90% over recent months. He acknowledged 4,000 accounts using water with no associated account in the billing system. - Councilman Kevin (first name only) praised Hennefin for infrastructure improvements but criticized slow progress on billing and customer service. Hennefin defended his timeline, saying infrastructure came first, and billing is now the focus. - Dr. Catherine Robinson asked whether Hennefin helped hand-pick names for the authority board; the mayor denied that, stating the earlier proposal was before his term. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken during the public hearing; the council dismissed to deliberate in private before responding to the state senate. - The chairman emphasized the need for public involvement in such decisions. - The city council’s ultimate position on HB 1677 remains undetermined, but the hearing highlighted strong community divisions and specific concerns about board representation, consumer protections, and democratic oversight.

The Public Works Committee of the Jackson City Council met on February 5, 2026, to discuss equipment purchases for blight control and disaster response, an auction of surplus vehicles, street sweeping operations, traffic striping needs, a paving project near a Honda dealership, stormwater permitting, grass maintenance plans, and the landfill expansion status. No public comments or consent calendar items were presented. Discussion Items - Equipment Update (Blight & Disaster Response): Deputy Director James Carwell presented a revised list of new equipment totaling $1.3 million, including a roll-off truck, gooseneck dump trailers, a water tank for dust control, a fuel truck, compact excavator with flail mower, and Dodge 3500/2500 pickup trucks. The list was updated from a previous version to improve efficiency. Orders are expected to begin the week of February 9, 2026. Training and secure storage were identified as concerns; Public Works Director Lorenzo Anderson stated personnel are available from the parks department merger but training will be evaluated. Councilmembers expressed support, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance. - Auction of Surplus Vehicles: A first phase auction of 45 vehicles will be conducted via GovDeals.com. Estimated proceeds are around $50,000 based on a rough per-vehicle calculation. Future rounds will include equipment from the landfill and other sites. The contract details (compensation percentage) are handled by the CAO/CFO. The council pushed for expediting to free cash flow for the new equipment. - Street Sweeping: A new street sweeper (cost $385,000) is on site but not yet operational; training is pending within approximately two weeks. No CDL is required. No dedicated operator exists yet; personnel will be rotated. A dynamic schedule using GIS will be developed, initially focusing on major thoroughfares. A curb and gutter sweeping attachment for skid steers will also arrive. - Traffic Striping: The current one-person push machine is inadequate for the city’s size. Contracting striping costs $5,000–10,000 per mile. A larger self-propelled machine ($100,000–$300,000) may be needed. Councilmember suggested researching a one-person machine with flaggers for traffic control. Overlay contracts already include striping. Emergency striping on high-priority roads may be contracted using capital improvement funds. - Paving Near Honda Dealership (MOU with County): The One Percent Sales Tax Committee approved $350,000 to pave Larson, Foley, Harding, and Monroe Streets around a Honda dealership ahead of executive visits on February 25, 2026. The city has an existing interlocal agreement with Hinds County. Multiple councilmembers objected to prioritizing this over longstanding needs in other wards, but the item was described as a done deal by the administration. No straw poll was taken. Council requested future reports from the One Percent Committee. - Stormwater: The annual NPDES permit has been submitted; the city is awaiting a response. Director Anderson promised a briefing at the next meeting. - Grass Maintenance: The parks department is merging into public works. The CAO requested a top-five parks list from council to guide the mowing schedule. Existing contracts for major thoroughfares end in March and will be re-bid with acreage-based focus. - Landfill Status: Solid Waste Manager Lakeisha Weathers reported MDQ approval for the expansion cell as of February 3, 2026, allowing disposal to begin. Scales have been purchased (payment check mailed January 27); installation expected 25–30 days after payment receipt. A new excavator is expected in 30–60 days. Full operations (including scales) targeted for end of March. A crawler dozer will be re-bid due to specification issues; the current dozer will be used in the interim. Key Outcomes - Equipment orders to proceed as presented; training and storage plans to be developed. - Auction of 45 vehicles to move forward via GovDeals.com; first phase aims to generate cash flow for new equipment. - Street sweeper training to be scheduled within two weeks; a sweeping schedule will be created. - Traffic striping research on one-person machine requested; contracting for emergency striping on major arterials may be explored. - The paving project near Honda will proceed as approved by the One Percent Committee; no council vote was required. - Landfill expansion is approved and operational; scales and excavator procurement are in progress; full opening expected by end of March 2026. - Next public works committee meeting scheduled within two to three weeks.

The Planning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Jackson met on February 5, 2026, at 1:33 p.m., three minutes behind schedule, with four council members present in chambers and Councilman Grizzell online. The meeting focused on commercial and residential blight, code enforcement strategies, and budget constraints for demolitions and cleanups. Discussion Items - Commercial Blight: Code Enforcement staff reported that approximately $500,000 remains in the commercial properties account, with major projects like the Coca-Cola site completed and others underway (e.g., 349 Apprentice, 737 McDowell Road, Bobby Rush Boulevard corner). Council members emphasized the need for early identification of struggling businesses through databases, utility payments, and business licenses. Councilman Foote proposed a blight dashboard for both commercial and residential properties. Director Angela Brown noted the department is working on business retention and a comprehensive business list. - Residential Blight and Code Enforcement: Mr. Brunson reported 6,056 total cases since January 2025, with 1,527 since October 2025; only about 350 owners complied voluntarily. Council members discussed increasing penalties, converting violations to civil debt, and limiting tax sale participants with multiple violations. A brainstorming session with the city attorney was requested to explore enforcement options. - Budget and Demolition Funding: Code Enforcement has nearly $400,000 in identified work but only $122,000 for commercial demolition (general funds), $95,000 for grass/weeds, and $17,000 for District 71. Director Brown confirmed efforts to secure additional CDBG funds and state legislative allocations, and noted restructuring in the housing department to improve accountability. - Process Improvements: Councilman Hartley advocated for a dashboard to track property violation status and reassure the public, acknowledging the lengthy legal process. Mr. Brunson noted progress in rewriting the vacant registration ordinance and adapting procedures for inoperable vehicles. Key Outcomes - Task to Director Brown: Develop a comprehensive, user-friendly business list for council and code enforcement, using tax rolls, licensing, and other sources. - Follow-up Meeting: Scheduled within a few weeks to review progress on dashboards, penalty brainstorming, and business list. - Legal Inquiry: Request for an update from the city attorney on the status of appealing the asbestos-testing ruling specific to Jackson. - Staff Support: Council expressed willingness to consider additional code enforcement officers if needed.

The Public Safety and Parks Committee of the Jackson City Council convened on December 19, 2025, to address critical infrastructure and safety concerns across the city's park system, law enforcement staffing, and municipal building security. The meeting focused on the urgent removal of hazardous dead trees, the operational limitations of the park ranger program, the need for enhanced security at City Hall, and the status of the city's camera surveillance system. Council members and administration officials discussed resource allocation challenges, the potential for public-private partnerships, and the necessity of aligning police programming hours with community needs. Consent Calendar - No routine approvals or unanimous consent items were discussed. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments or testimony are recorded in the transcript provided. Discussion Items - Park Safety and Hazardous Trees: Councilmembers expressed severe safety concerns regarding dead trees in parks, specifically Jamie Fowler Boiler Park, Battleship Park, and Westside Park. Positions were taken that these trees pose a threat of falling on pedestrians, blocking access to senior communities, and damaging power lines affecting 10,000 residents and the local fire station. Councilman Foote expressed strong support for addressing power line risks immediately, while Councilwoman Thomas noted the trees' impact on community festivals like Wells Fest. - Tree Removal Funding and Partnerships: Council President Grizzell and staff reported that dead tree removal costs in Jamie Fowler Boiler Park were reduced from an estimated $250,000 to approximately $75,000 through on-site chipping and vendor creative solutions. Councilman Harley expressed full support for expanding public-private partnerships to reduce maintenance burdens, suggesting churches or local organizations could adopt parks for grass cutting in exchange for city funding for tools. Councilman Foote advocated for using reserve deputies and private landscapers to offset staffing shortages. - Park Ranger Staffing and Hours: Council members expressed concern that the four current park rangers patrol only during daytime hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), creating a coverage gap for evening community programming such as gymnastics and sports leagues at parks like Francis Grove Park. Councilwoman Thomas expressed full opposition to the current deployment strategy, stating that four rangers for 54 parks is insufficient. The Chief of Police defended the current allocation, noting that rangers are required to respond to 9-1-1 calls if staffing shortages occur in precincts, effectively allowing their hours to vary based on city-wide emergency demands. Councilman Harley expressed support for better aligning patrol hours with programming needs and increasing reserves utilization. - City Hall Security: Councilwoman Thomas and Councilman Harley expressed strong concern regarding the lack of screening to access City Hall, noting that unauthorized individuals have entered offices and left threatening notes on doors. They advocated for mandatory ID checks, photo badges, and escorted tours for visitors. Councilman Foreman noted personal safety concerns, mentioning past threats in the Hood building. The CAO agreed with the need for higher security standards, citing the 10,000 residents served by power lines as an analogy for the city's need to protect its infrastructure and staff. - Camera Surveillance and Real-Time Command Center: Councilwoman Thomas and Councilman Harley expressed full support for expanding the camera system, describing it as a "force multiplier" essential for virtual policing. Councilwoman Carlwell expressed concern that the program stalled due to a process error regarding the purchase order and lack of funding, despite cameras being delivered. The CAO took accountability for not securing a specific line item in the budget, while Assistant Chief Vincent Grizzell explained that the order was placed without a Purchase Order (PO), causing the transaction to be halted. Key Outcomes - Tree Removal: The administration is proceeding with reducing costs through on-site chipping and seeking public-private partnerships, such as community groups adopting small parks for routine maintenance. - Park Rangers: The meeting concluded with an agreement to schedule a follow-up discussion with the Chief of Police and Park Recreation Manager to align patrol hours with community programming needs and evaluate the use of reserve deputies. - City Hall Security: The administration agreed to circle back with IT and the Police Chief to propose ID screening and badge requirements, with plans to discuss specific security measures in an upcoming executive session. - Camera System: The council agreed to place an item on the December 30th agenda to identify a funding source for the delivered cameras and correct the purchase order process. The Chief reiterated that internal controls successfully flagged the missing PO, preventing an illegal expenditure. - Lighting: $270,000 is currently budgeted for park lighting (including Pitman Park). Councilwoman Thomas requested specific updates on Pitman Park, while Councilman Harley recommended lighting improvements for Battlefield Park to enable evening tennis programming.

The Legislative Committee convened on December 19, 2025, to align city priorities with the Mayor's legislative agenda in preparation for state capital submissions. Council members and Mr. Ken Newberger (Bastillion Strategies) discussed critical issues including blight, public safety jurisdiction, infrastructure funding, and the need for a unified "Jackson Package" to present to state legislators. Consent Calendar - No routine consent items were presented or voted upon during this discussion-based session. Public Comments & Testimony - Councilman Foote: Expressed full support for state-level legislative action regarding squatter accountability, citing their destructive impact on abandoned properties like the Virginia College building and the high costs to the city. He stated that current "24-hour" laws are insufficient. He also expressed full support for the Jackson Rising initiative as a data-driven tool for state outreach. - Councilman Parkinson: Expressed full support for increased state funding for law enforcement to combat carpet theft. He stated full support for a state-level tax break for the first year of operation for new grocery stores to incentivize food access. He expressed full support for closing tax loopholes that allow property blight. He expressed full support for clarifying Capital Police's authority to enforce city noise ordinances via city citations. - Council Member (unnamed, Ward 4): Expressed full support for reallocating Police resources from the Capital Improvement District (CCID) to other neighborhoods (South, North, West Jackson) to address city-specific issues like the ski mask ordinance, which Capital Police cannot enforce. He expressed full support for license plate reader (LPR) technology and urged for a million-dollar investment to expand the network. - Council Member (unnamed, Ward 4): Emphasized the administrative necessity of land banking legislation to recover property value lost when tax sale liens are extinguished upon transfer to the Secretary of State. Discussion Items - Blight and Squatters: Council members and administration discussed the severe financial and physical impact of squatters on abandoned buildings. There was a strong consensus that state statute changes are required to hold squatters accountable for property damage and to facilitate blight elimination, including moving forward with land banking legislation to reclaim tax-delinquent properties. - Water Authority: Administration reported the Mayor's primary priority is the creation of a Jackson-controlled Water Authority. It was clarified that the governing board must be majority-city controlled to ensure local interests are protected, though state economic input would bridge current shortfalls. Councilman Taylor questioned the feasibility of compelling water bill payments via state statute. - Infrastructure Funding: The committee discussed the need to secure $29 million in matching funds (out of $46 million appropriated by the Federal Highway Administration) for key highways, specifically identifying Woodrow Wilson and McDowell Road as qualifying projects. Council members requested specificity on the remaining roads in the program. - Public Safety and Jurisdiction: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the unique jurisdictional overlap between the Capitol Police and Jackson Police Department (JPD). Council members expressed concern that Capital Police cannot enforce city ordinances (e.g., ski mask violations, noise ordinances within the CCID) without new statutory mechanisms. The consensus was that while this jurisdictional issue requires legislative clarification, it should be separated from funding requests to keep the agenda "laser focused." - Thalamara and Arts District: The administration mentioned the need for state support for the arts district at Thalamara, the Capital Convention Center, and the Museum of Art and Planetarium, specifically for parking lot renovations. - Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC): Members argued for state support to expand the existing RTCC, emphasizing its success in virtual policing. They urged for funding to add license plate readers and other technology, noting that communities have already begun purchasing their own cameras. Key Outcomes - Agenda Consolidation: The committee agreed to consolidate numerous requests into a "laser-focused" package of three to four priority items (Public Safety, Blight, Water Authority, Infrastructure) to present to the state delegation, rather than a scattered list of 20+ items. - Action Items: - Mr. Newberger and the Mayor are tasked with compiling a final legislative package including the Mayor's requests and Council priorities, to be returned to the committee by December 30. - Council members were advised to send certified letters to their respective state legislators to formally record their positions. - The committee will reconvene in January to refine the package and potentially meet with the state delegation. - Legislative Requests Identified: Creating a City-Controlled Water Authority, state funding for highway matching, blight elimination laws (land banking), clarification of Capital Police enforcement powers, and economic incentives for grocery stores and the arts district.

The Finance Committee convened to deliberate and vote on two insurance renewal orders for municipal employees (Dental and Life/AD&D) for the 2026 fiscal year. The meeting featured extensive discussion regarding the sustainability of employee benefits, the significant financial weight of insurance on the general fund, and the re-establishment of an Insurance Advisory Committee to oversee future negotiations. While the administration defended the renewals as necessary to maintain network access and provide stability during a transition period, several council members expressed reservations about cost increases and insufficient engagement, with one member expressing a lack of trust in the deal despite acknowledging the complexity of the insurance market. Consent Calendar - Order Authorizing Mayor to Execute Renewal with Delta Dental: - Unanimously voted to take out of committee and forward to the full council for a vote in a special meeting. - The order covers dental insurance for active employees and retirees for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. - Order Authorizing Mayor to Renew Contract with Medlife: - Unanimously voted to take out of committee and forward to the full council for a vote in a special meeting. - The order covers life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance (10/20 policy) for active and retired employees for the period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony - Internal Discussion on Benefit Philosophy: - Council Member: Expressed the position that for employees earning approximately $9.87 per hour, a $2 pay period increase represents a significant portion of food costs, though ultimately argued against trading benefits for salary increases because benefits provide protection during illness. - Council Member: Stated a position that the city should not be pitting salary against benefits and emphasized the need to find savings elsewhere (e.g., consultants) rather than reducing employee coverage. - Council Member: Expressed a historical preference for allowing employees to choose their own personal insurance options if it resulted in higher direct pay, though acknowledged the complexity of the current economic landscape. - Council Member (Chair): Expressed 100% support for the principle of maintaining benefits but noted that the administration does not control market rates, emphasizing that the group must work through the challenges together. - Council Member: Expressed a lack of trust in the final dental deal, stating, "I still don't think that we got the best deal," despite acknowledging the negotiation efforts of Ms. Whitehead. Discussion Items - Dental Insurance Renewal (Delta Dental): - Administration Position: Ms. Whitehead and the Finance Committee explained that direct quotes were requested from Delta Dental without a commission to secure $0 commission rates. They argued that while there is a $2 per pay period increase, an alternative plan with no employee increase would have cut the provider network by over 50%. The committee posited that maintaining the current network was the better option for existing dentist-patient relationships. - Insurance Advisory Committee: Vice President Hartley and others discussed the re-implementation of the disbanded Insurance Advisory Committee. The administration confirmed a meeting is being rescheduled for the following week. Council Member Clay successfully advocated for the inclusion of a non-administrative person (specifically suggesting the Clerk of Council) on the committee, a suggestion Vice President Hartley agreed to recommend to the Mayor. - Financial Context and General Fund Impact: - Vice President Hartley: Stated that health insurance costs the general fund over $15 million annually (approx. $6,000 per employee), with family plans costing the city roughly $18,000 per enrollment. He noted that with the current flat salary structure, the city subsidizes employees by approximately $24,000 annually. - Council Member: Highlighted that the "plus one" health coverage option costs the city approximately $6 million annually, involving about 550 employees. - Vice President Hartley: Distinguished between project descriptions (the costs) and positions, noting the goal is to have the Advisory Committee present recommendations mid-year rather than under budget deadline pressure, avoiding the disruptions seen during previous year-end transitions. - Life/AD&D Insurance Renewal (Medlife): - Ms. Taberson: Clarified the policy details, correcting an initial misstatement to confirm it is a 10/20 policy ($10,000 basic, $20,000 accidental). She described the benefit as effectively having become "burial insurance" due to the 20-year tenure of the policy at that cap. - Administration Position: Ms. Taberson and the committee recommended continuing the benefit but noted a recommendation to explore bundling options with dental or health in the future. They noted that the fallout from 2020-2022 COVID claims has impacted rates. Key Outcomes - Re-establishment of Insurance Advisory Committee: - The committee plans to meet twice monthly for the next several months. The composition will include the City Attorney, Vice President Hartley, Ms. Whitehead, HR, Finance, and potentially a non-administrative member (Clerk of Council) upon confirmation of separation of powers implications. - Vice President Hartley pledged to provide a quarterly report to the council no later than the end of Q1 2026. - Recommendations for Future Budgeting: - The administration intends to have a full series of recommendations regarding Health, Life, and Dental insurance from the Advisory Committee by mid-year 2026, prior to the budget deadline. - The Council is directed to engage in a dialogue before voting on future insurance contracts. - Procedural Vote: - Both the Dental and Life insurance orders were approved to be moved out of the Finance Committee and scheduled for a vote at the upcoming special meeting. - Administrative Directives: - The Mayor is expected to appoint a non-administration representative to the Insurance Advisory Committee. - The search for a new agent of record in 2026 will include a re-evaluation of health, life, and dental insurance contracts.