A forecast 22% increase in health insurance rates through the Texas Municipal League has the Timpson City Council shopping around before approving coverage for the new fiscal year.

The city currently pays 100% of an employee’s coverage and will be exploring other options.

Also at last night’s meeting, the preliminary budget for water & sewer in 2015-16 was OK’ed, but passing the electric department’s budget could not get a stamp of approval. Both budgets must be passed before being sent to the state, so Timpson Council is working on a timeline.

It was also agreed to designate a separate checking account for the police department, and approved decreasing the minimum bid of $250,000 on .93 acres owned by the city, located adjacent to US 59. The city can now consider any offer submitted that meets or exceeds appraised value. A For Sale sign will also be placed on the highway frontage property next to city hall.

A termite job at the community building at SoSo Park was awarded to the low bid received from Select Pest Control for $1,683.50, and $2,000 from the police department’s forfeiture fund will be used to buy an engine for a 2009 Crown Vic cruiser.

City Secretary Leslie Leathers was also given a thumbs up on her 90-day evaluation and was awarded a $2 an hour pay increase.