TITLE
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION; AND WAIVING SECOND READING - General Fund Claims and Judgments Related to the Central Ohio Health Care Consortium
BODY
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2025, City Council approved resolutions authorizing the Administration to end the City of Gahanna’s participation in the Central Ohio Health Care Consortium (COHCC) and to begin a self-funded employee health benefits program; and
WHEREAS, following Council approval, the Administration provided formal notice of withdrawal to the COHCC in September 2025; and
WHEREAS, in November 2025, the COHCC Board voted to issue an assessment totaling One Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,400,000.00) to its current members in order to maintain reserve funding levels as permitted under the Joint Self Insurance Agreement; and
WHEREAS, although the City of Gahanna voted against the assessment, the assessment was approved by a majority vote of the COHCC Board, and because the City remained a member during calendar year 2025, the City was assessed its proportional share in the amount of Two Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars ($207,939.00); and
WHEREAS, the Administration, with the support of the City Attorney, requested additional information from the COHCC and sought discussion regarding a reduced payment prior to the original December 31, 2025 deadline; and
WHEREAS, in January 2026, the City received a response from the COHCC providing additional information and extending the payment deadline to January 23, 2026; and
WHEREAS, this Council finds it necessary and in the best interest of the City to authorize a supplemental appropriation to satisfy the assessment, avoid penalties and late fees, and meet the extended payment deadline.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That funding in the amount of Two Hundred Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars ($207,939.00) is hereby supplementally appropriated from the unappropriated and unencumbered balance of the General Fund (1010) to 101.06.250.5230 - Admin & Op Services Claims & Judgements for the purpose of paying the COHCC assessment.
Section 2. That Council hereby waives the requirement of a second reading in order to allow timely payment of the assessment by the January 23, 2026, deadline and to avoid penalties and late fees.
Section 3. That pursuant to City Charter Section 4.14, whereas the 30-day referendum period does not apply to ordinances providing for the appropriation of money, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage by this Council and upon approval by the Mayor.