MATT DRISCOLL:THE LONE "NO" IN LAST NIGHT'S HEALTH INSURANCE VOTE >>>

Last night Tacoma’s City Council voted 8-1 in favor of passing an ordinance that allows council members to take part in Tacoma’s health care plan at the same cost as part time city employees. Previously, council members could partake in the program, but were not technically considered employees and were thus required to pay the entire price of $1,030 a month. Members of Tacoma’s City Council earn $36,026 per year, and work an average of 32 hours a week for the city.

The passage of the ordinance came after the council heard recommendations from a citizen’s committee constructed for the purposes of researching the plan and investigating how other cities handle the issue.  After concluding that offering health benefits probably won’t solely persuade a person to run for office, but not offering benefits could discourage it, the citizen’s committee recommended the ordinance’s passage.

After being hesitant about the idea, council members seemed satisfied that the citizen’s council investigation and recommendations proved the case for voting on an issue that directly affects them.

The only member of Tacoma’s City Council to vote no last night was Councilman Rick Talbert, who opposes the notion that a sitting city council should be able to vote on their own benefits.

“I just don’t believe that sitting council members should vote on issues that directly affect their benefits,” said Talbert this afternoon.

“I do support the inclusion of city council members in the benefits plan, but again don’t believe that we should be able to vote on that directly.”

As to what effect the new ordinance will have, Talbert thinks it will be minimal on the current Tacoma City Council, but helpful in the future.

“I think most of the council members, especially those with full time jobs, have benefits,” said Talbert.

“I think it will only potentially be a couple members (who enroll in the city’s health plan.) I for one knew what I was getting into when I ran for office and I knew what I was going to be compensated. I do think (not providing health benefits) potentially limits the number of people who are able to devote the amount of time that’s necessary for the demand of the job.”

Despite the fact he cast the lone “no” vote at last night’s meeting, Talbert was happy the City Council took the time to have a citizen’s committee review the plan.

“For me it was a lot better process having a thorough investigation,” said Talbert.