(KLZA)-- Falls City Council members approved renewal of the employee health insurance policy with MEDICA when they met Monday night.

The premium increase for the next year will be approximately 6.98%, which will make the combined monthly premium for the City, $85,350.

Council members approved an agreement on a 7-1 vote, with Woods Aitken LLP, for 2025 union contract negotiations with the Communications Workers of America, the International Union of Operating Engineers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers as well as any other matters to which the City requests representation. Those are the unions that represent the various city employees depending on what department they work for.

Jerry Pigsley will lead the negotiations for the City at a rate of $355 per hour for is services. Additional expenses could be charged for out-of-pocket expenses as well as the services of other company attorney's, paralegals and legal assistants.

Councilman Frank Killingsworth cast the lone nay vote.

The Council also approved seeking requests for qualifications for Design Services for the Energy Forward Transmission Project.

The City Electric Department is seeking qualified engineering firms for services related to the procurement of right-of-way, design and construction management for approximately 15 miles of transmission line and a new, up to 50 Mega Volt-Amperes substation.

Proposals are due in the office of Utility Supervisor Trevor Campbell by 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, to be reviewed by the Board of Public works.