Council sends charter amendment on elected-official benefits to voters

The East Ridge City Council voted to place a charter amendment on the November ballot that would remove automatic city-paid benefits for the mayor and council and instead permit elected officials to elect to purchase benefits at their own expense.

Council and staff clarified the measure addresses health-benefit eligibility for elected officials: if voters approve the amendment, elected officials could still obtain coverage through the city plan but would pay 100% of the cost (no taxpayer subsidy). Staff said the change is intended to align the charter with current council policy direction and to remove a taxpayer-funded benefit.

Council members expressed support for placing the question before voters; one member called the change a correction of an earlier decision. The ordinance passed on first reading and will be placed on the referendum for the November election if it follows the standard process.

What happens next: The council will include the amendment on the November ballot; the final outcome will be decided by voters.