The Education Committee
met in joint session with the Ways And Means Committee on
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 5:30 PM
Canoe Brook Senior Center
EDUCATION heard the following item along with Ways & Means:
To consider and, if appropriate, subsequently report to the RTM on the budgetary impact of the change in the Agent of Record for health insurance for both the Board of Education and the Town of Branford.
Committee members heard from First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris, Financial Director Jim Finch, Board of Education Chairman Frank Carrano, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Halligan and the new Agent of Record for both the BOE and the Town, Ralph Gagliardi, former President of Group Benefit Administrators of Connecticut, Inc. (GBAC).
Committee members found that the new Agent of Record accepted the Health Insurance Plans already negotiated for the School system by the former Agent of Record who had partnered with Dr. Halligan and that a savings of just over $39-thousand was achieved during that process by securing a negotiated commission rather than a standard flat commission based on the size of the policy.
On the Town side, the new Health Insurance, again with Connecticut Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, was negotiated with no increase in premiums and the commission remained the same as well.
Committee members agreed that there was no negative impact on the budget; that some money was saved during the BOE process; and that the Town and the BOE are closely monitoring GBAC’s performance to ensure that the company delivers excellent service and that GBAC plays a valuable role during future negotiations with town and school employees. Committee members were reminded that an Agent of Record can always be changed with short notice.
There was no matter that required a vote, so the Committees agreed to report their findings to the Full RTM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lonnie Reed
Chair, RTM Education Committee
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