Lifetime Health Benefit for City Council?

Dec 31, 2010 by Dick.Thomson

Members of the Thousand Oaks City Council -

The Ventura County Taxpayers Association is concerned about the city’s lifetime health insurance benefit that is available to employees that have been employed for as little as 5 years. In our view, this is an overly generous benefit that is not offered to employees of other cities in the County or county employees, it is an unnecessary burden to taxpayers and it is puzzling why Thousand Oaks would think it is necessary.

Even more surprising is that the benefit is provided to city council members. Why should the taxpayers be on the hook for providing city council members and their spouses medical insurance for life with no dollar limit? Council members volunteer to run for the part time office because of a desire to serve their community and to make a difference. We recognize that some level of compensation can be appropriate but candidates certainly do not run for the benefits and especially not a lifetime benefit. This is way out of line with benefits available in the private sector.

In October 1997, the council approved Resolution 97-204 which became effective January 1, 1998. Whatever the perceived need was back then, it does not exist today. With thirteen candidates vying for 3 seats, Thousand Oaks residents face a difficult choice among many well qualified candidates. It hardly seems necessary to continue to offer this benefit which creates an open ended liability for the City and the taxpayers who will pay for it.

We urge you to repeal Resolution 97-204 and eliminate this unnecessary, open-ended expense.

Respectfully -

Charles McLaughlin
Chairman, Board of Directors

Dick Thomson
President
Ventura County Taxpayers Association