Joint City Council-Greenville Utilities Commission Board Meeting - September 23, 2024

Mayor Pro Tem Monica Daniels presided in Mayor Connelly's absence, with GUC Board Chair Lindsay Griffin co-chairing. The meeting included public comments on natural gas policy and a tree-clearing project, approval of prior minutes, and a staff presentation recommending a 1.5% rate increase and a small deductible change for the 2025 health and dental plans.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dr. Simon Penn (registered speaker): Expressed full opposition to the utility's continued investment in natural gas, citing health risks from indoor gas cooking (association with childhood asthma), climate concerns, and the falling cost of renewables (solar, wind, batteries). Urged the GUC board and City Council to provide effective oversight and develop policies based on current evidence to move away from natural gas.
• Nancy Connor (registered speaker): Strongly criticized GUC for clear-cutting trees and vegetation along a creek near 14th Street (east of Downey Ficklin, towards Peckerman Park), stating the work caused erosion, property damage (e.g., a broken light), and harm to air quality and wildlife. Asked the city to investigate and address the destruction.

Approval of Agenda

• The agenda was approved unanimously by both the City Council (motion by Councilmember Blackburn, second by Councilmember Robinson, vote 6-0) and the GUC Board (motion by Commissioner Godley, second by Commissioner Blunt, voice vote unanimous).

New Business – Approval of Minutes & Health/Dental Plan

• Approval of Minutes from April 22, 2024 Joint Meeting: Approved unanimously by Council (motion by Councilmember Robinson, second by Councilmember Willis, vote 6-0) and by the GUC Board (unanimous).
• Joint Staff Recommendations on Plan Year 2025 Health and Dental Plan Benefits:
  • Presentation by Joe Hardin (Partner, Mercer): Briefly presented the renewal summary. Key points:
    • Medical plan: Self-funded, no design changes except a required IRS index adjustment to the consumer-driven health plan (CDHP) deductible from $1,600/$3,200 (single/family) to $1,650/$3,300. The PPO plan deductible remains $1,000.
    • 2024 claims are running $1.2 million under budget; a 1.5% rate increase is recommended for 2025 to account for medical and pharmacy trend increases.
    • Dental plan: No changes and no rate increase; net cost projected slightly under $600,000 for 2025.
    • Stop-loss insurance renewal from Cigna at a 5% increase.
  • Discussion: Councilmember Blackburn asked for clarification on CDHP vs. PPO deductibles. Hardin explained the CDHP is a high-deductible plan that allows a health savings account (HSA), while the PPO has lower copays. Employees choose between the two.
  • Votes: City Council approved the recommendations (motion by Councilmember Scully, second by Councilmember Blackburn, vote 6-0). GUC Board also approved (motion by Commissioner Godley, second by Commissioner Blunt, voice vote unanimous).

Key Outcomes

• Votes (all unanimous):
  • Agenda approved.
  • Minutes of the April 22, 2024 joint meeting approved.
  • Staff recommendations for 2025 health and dental plan benefits approved, including a 1.5% rate increase for medical, the mandated CDHP deductible increase, and no change to dental rates.
• Directives & Next Steps:
  • GUC Manager Tony Cannon stated he would investigate the tree-clearing complaints raised by Nancy Connor on 14th Street, including checking for stormwater or sewer work and any property damage.
• Other Statements:
  • Councilmember Foreman (liaison to GUC) publicly commended GUC Manager Tony Cannon, staff, and employees, noting the utility received 19 awards so far in 2024 across various categories (water treatment, safety, customer service, etc.). Other councilmembers echoed praise for GUC's employee longevity and the informative tour arranged by City Manager Cowan.