GASTONIA, N.C. — Under mounting pressure from voters, Gaston County commissioners have retracted a controversial resolution that would have forced taxpayers to cover health insurance for life for the commission.
Channel 9 has been following the controversial story since the vote last week. A special meeting took place at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and Channel 9 reporter Ken Lemon spoke with Tea Partiers, Independents and Democrats who all said they're upset that the commission ever passed the original resolution.
Gaston commissioner has change of heart after voting for lifetime benefits
One week after that controversial vote, changes were expected to the plan to give Gaston County commissioners health insurance for life. Last Tuesday night, commissioners voted unanimously to continue providing health benefits for life to any commissioner who serves at least one 4-year term.
The resolution would require taxpayers to pay at least $600 per commissioner per month -- a perk not available to new employees.
VIDEO: Gaston County commissioners approve lifetime benefits for themselves
Hours after Channel 9 reported the vote, public outrage surfaced and there was a change of heart from at least two commissioners who originally voted for the plan.
Chairman Tracy Philbeck apologized over Facebook and said he would amend the resolution to ensure commissioners had to serve at least 10 years before they're eligible for the lifetime health insurance, and he plans to take out the taxpayer subsidy.
Another commissioner, Tom Keigher, also told Channel 9 he regretted his initial vote and plans to support the changes.
The all-Republican board of commissioners expected to hear from Democrats, angry about their vote last week, but they also heard from angry allies in the Tea Party, and Republicans who said they regret voting for the commissioners.
Tuesday morning's meeting began with the chairman saying the resolution unanimously approved last week was passed with the intent of outgoing commissioners paying the full price of health insurance with no premium payments for taxpayers.
But that's not what was written on the resolution, which said commissioners would receive insurance for little or no cost, with taxpayers footing the bill.
Commissioners gave an apology and received an angry response.
"I take full responsibility for not making it clear," said Chairman Tracy Philbeck.
"This time you have really gone too far. You have way over stepped your bounds," yelled Virginia Femster during the meeting Tuesday.
"I voted for most of you and with that I'm ashamed of the job you've done," added another voter, Deb Garrett.
Commissioners planned on amending their resolution for health insurance and requiring commissioners to stay on the board for 10 years instead of four, and pay the complete cost of insurance -- but they decided not to attempt another resolution Tuesday.
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