Workers oppose benefits reduction

BILOXI — Employees have asked the Biloxi Council to look for other ways to cut costs before they reduce employee benefits.

The administration has proposed rolling back longevity pay from $15 a month per year to $6 and requiring employees to contribute $200 a month for families and $100 for singles toward their health insurance.

Council president Bill Stallworth tells The Sun Herald the mid-year financial report presented to the council at a special meeting April 13 shows the city budget is safe this year but the next fiscal year will be a problem.

City administrator David Staehling recommended making the cuts now rather than waiting for the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1.