ADOPTED - JANUARY 22, 2008

Agenda Item No. 17

 

Introduced by the Finance Committee of the:

 

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 

RESOLUTION TO TERMINATE DOMESTIC PARTNER COVERAGE

 

RESOLUTION #08-009

 

WHEREAS, Ingham County has provided same-sex domestic health care benefits since 2003 to its Managerial/Confidential employees and several of its bargaining units have same-sex domestic partner benefits; and

 

WHEREAS, to comply with the current Michigan Court of Appeals ruling, Ingham County can no longer legally offer these benefits; and

 

WHEREAS, the County Attorney has provided an opinion that these benefits should be terminated.

 

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to obtain and provide a comparable benefit to replace the terminated benefits by July 31, 2008.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that same-sex benefits for Managerial/Confidential employees is terminated as of July 31, 2008.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Managerial/Confidential Personnel Manual shall be updated to incorporate a revised Health Insurance Program.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, letters of notice be prepared and sent to the effected bargaining units informing them of the changes necessary to comply with the law and inviting them to meet concerning the effects of these changes.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Benefits and Insurance staff will provide information and assistance to effected employees and their domestic partners on alternative sources of insurance coverage.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,  it is the intention of the Ingham County Board of Commissioners to reinstate the same sex domestic partner benefits if the Michigan Supreme Court determines such benefits to be lawful; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Chairperson and County Clerk are authorized to sign appropriate documents after review by the County Attorney, as needed.

 

COUNTY SERVICES:  Yeas:  Nolan, Grebner, Severino

         Nays:  De Leon, Copedge, Soule          Absent:  None        Failed 1/15/08

 

FINANCE:    Yeas:  Grebner, Hertel, Weatherwax-Grant, Celentino, Schor

          Nays:  None        Absent:  Dougan         Approved 1/16/08