Columbia Falls council approves staff health‑insurance contribution rates as medical costs rise

The Columbia Falls City Council approved the city staff insurance committee’s recommended monthly contribution schedule for employee health insurance for fiscal year 2026.

City staff reported the medical premium adjustment for the upcoming year is a 12.2% increase; combined with a prior 9% increase the staff presentation described a total increase of roughly 21% over the last two years. The city staff insurance committee — composed of the city manager, finance director and representatives of bargaining units and non‑represented staff — recommended continuing the city’s contribution approach and setting certain complementary deferred‑compensation terms for employees who decline city coverage.

Staff said the city currently contributes about $645,000 per year toward employee insurance and that the recommended FY26 rates would raise that contribution to approximately $714,265. Staff also noted that the permissive medical levy contributes roughly half of the city’s insurance requirement.

The council approved the recommendation by voice vote during the meeting. The city indicated open enrollment for the plans runs May 15–June 15 with coverage effective July 1.