More than a hundred firefighters and their families protested outside the government center earlier this week. They were joined by other city workers who packed several Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council sessions to show they're upset over the increased health insurance costs. And, council listened to their concerns. It voted to find $3.8 million in 2012 to offset those increased insurance costs at least until the end of next year but council doesn't know yet where that money will come from.
"The money will have to come from somewhere and chances are it's going to come out of my pocket, your pocket," comments Brock Johns.
The city's new health insurance plan takes effect on January1st and when it does, city workers will get a supplement on their paychecks ranging from $75 to $200 a month. Some people who live here in Lexington think it's a good idea.
"My husband is in the military. We deserve to have insurance. I think everybody should have insurance and I think it's important for the tax payers to take care of the civil service employees," says Jessica Hale.
"My brother's a fireman . I was really upset about how they doubled because I know he's doing the best he can as is. So, he needs insurance, that's a really dangerous job. If something was to happen to him, he needs to be able to be covered for himself and his family. So, I think it's an excellent idea," explains Davita Gatewood.
But others don't.
"I feel like, in the end, I'm going to be the one paying that extra out-of-pocket, when probably city workers are doing okay on their health insurance compared to the average person out on the street," comments Johns.
The city's finance commissioner is currently looking at where those millions of dollars could possibly come from. More information is expected by next Thursday's council meeting.
