By Angela Hatton/ Chris Taylor
Metropolis, IL – An independent advisory committee has recommended the Metropolis city council save nearly $260,000 by stripping health coverage from some current and former employees. That includes eight aldermen and the city treasurer. The study says because the alderman and treasurer are not full-time employees, they are not entitled to coverage. Alderman Bill Carrell says it has been the city's policy to grant full coverage to all employees with 20 or more years of service. The study suggested aldermen and retirees who are eligible apply for Medicare supplement. Carrell expects the issue to be contentious in the months ahead. The council must decide whether or not to adopt the recommendation by January 1. Local businessman Charlie Eichorn set the stage for the discussion with a letter in The Metropolis Planet calling for citizens to examine the issue.