Yuma City Councilman Edward Thomas issued a public apology last evening over comments he made about a staff presentation on the city’s health care benefit program. During the council’s October 2nd session Thomas called the presentation, made in the council work session the night before, “less than adequate.” The presentation, made by city finance director Pat Wicks, was a detailed background on the Yuma Area Benefits Consortium-the city’s employee health care coverage provider. Councilman Thomas said that the presentation did not include the information he was seeking.
Reading from a memo he had written to city staff on his comments during the last council meeting Thomas said, “in no way was this an attack on you. I would never think of attacking anyone on city staff.” Calling staff “an important asset” to the city and to him personally, the councilman said he decided to apologize after watching a tape of the council meeting.
His apology has not changed his mind about the information he wanted from city staff. He has requested details on the pay and benefits package for city first responders, and how they compare to other communities. The councilman said during the October 2nd meeting that wanted the information because he was concerned the city was losing public safety officers. His request asked for the information in time for the November 5th council work session.
Also last night the city received a 45 thousand dollar check from Arizona Public Service Company. The money is to help cover the cost of one of two signs proclaiming the city’s 100th anniversary next year.