- Hub staff

The Owen Sound budget meetings continue, and one number that made eyebrows rise was the expected $225,000 increase in the cost of benefits for city staff and emergency workers– pension, extended health, long-term disability, Workers' Compensation, etc.

While police and fire service employees have more robust benefit packages in their contracts due to the nature of their work, they actually use their benefits less than staff of other city departments, according to the Director of Corporate Services, Kate Allan. Prescription drug claims alone on benefit plans by city staff other than fire and police rose by more 67% in one year to over $450,000, and high claims result in premium increases.

The additional 30 cents for every dollar we currently spend on benefits is a concern for City Manager, Wayne Ritchie. Every effort will be made to find the most cost-effective provider to meet the city's needs, but Ritchie says reducing the need for claims is also a priority.

The city is investing $30,000 in the services of a disability management consultant beginning early in 2017, to help in recognizing and assisting employees at risk for issues that may lead to long-term disabilities. Councillor Brian O'Leary spoke highly of the contractor's work with Owen Sound Police Services employees.

The 2017 operating budgets of fire and police services will be discussed November 4, along with a second look at the city's capital budget for the coming year.