January 6, 2003

City of Galveston Health Benefits Plan Board of Directors

The City of Galveston Health Benefits Plan Board of Directors voted 4-3 to seek outside legal advice on whether it can initiate litigation against the city manager in the event of "any future attempts to circumvent the health benefits board."

The representatives of the public safety unions, Chair Jeff Heyse and John Bertolino of the police union; and David Baker and William Roy of the fire union.  Finance Director Rick Glassett and civilian employees David Smith and Keith Stovall were opposed.

Assistant City Attorney Mike Miller said he is not sure whether the board has the legal authority to sue the city manger.  

"At this point that's not clear," Miller said,  speaking for City Attorney Susie Green, who was out ill.  "That is something that has to be researched."

"The actions of this board have already been circumvented," said John Bertolino, complaining that City Manager Steve LeBlanc is prepared to begin a new insurance plan without the group's endorsement.  He noted also that Green had said she was unclear on whether the city attorney could represent the board in the litigation because of the pending lawsuit filed by the police union.  

Baker, who made the motion to seek outside legal advice, noted that there are no funds to pay a lawyer at this time; the group is seeking only free advice from an attorney.

Roy said the current city policies are causing young, healthy "low risk" employees to opt out of the system.  "All the good employees are going with their wives' (policies)."

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