Changes in personnel policies did not sit well with the Summit Hill Water Authority's work crew as they got up and left the meeting on Tuesday night, apparently upset over changes in insurance and the policy for overtime.

"As of April 21st the insurance plan we have with one member will change as it will not be available after that date and the cost is going to $769.35 of which spouses will have to contribute half as of June 1st. That is the policy change we need to make," said Chairman Louis Alexander.The plan affects Work Leader Butch Kane's spouse and the change did not sit well with him as he pointed out that he should only be paying 20 percent of the bill and not the 50 percent. "Your minutes show that married employees pay 20 percent for their spouses. How do you justify that?" he asked.Kane produced minutes from several meetings dating between 1998 and 2001 to back up his point and drive home the increased payment in his opinion was unfair."Minutes are subject to change," said Alexander "and are a reflection of what was done at one time, but we are free to change decisions based on today's circumstances."Kane was not at all happy with this answer and pointed out to Alexander that the authority has always been profitable. "We are in the black every month so I don't understand why you cannot just absorb this extra cost."Alexander answered, "Didn't you tell me these lines need rehabilitating? We have to plan for down the road and act in the best interests of the community which all of you are also a part of."Kane pointed out the borough's workers have much better benefits which Alexander observed could change in the future as well."What are you doing to the morale of us instituting all of these changes?", Kane questioned. He was referring not only to the change in the medical policy but new mileage logs and timesheets that were also given to the crew earlier in the meeting.At that point Robert Mongi, another member of the crew, asked the board about the policy on comp time and overtime pointing out that many times they are in the middle of a job and cannot stop because the shift ends. "What is your policy on that?"Mongi cited different scenarios asking whether the policy would be to provide comp time for it or to be paid overtime for it. Alexander answered that he believed it depended on the circumstances but really did not clarify a position.Kane said, "I think you are going in the wrong direction here."Alexander commended the crew on the fine job they do every day for the authority and pointed out the benefits they do enjoy including a paid lunch, not having to use their own vehicles. He also pointed out they should be thankful for what they do have and realize many people are still looking for jobs and would be eager to have this type of job.The crew walked out of the meeting at that point apparently not happy with the decisions the board made which were formalized in a pair of votes.The first vote was to rescind the previous family plan and to replace it with First Priority Health Insurance effective May 1st with the benefit payment changes taking effect June 1st. The motion carried 4-0. The second vote was to uphold the current policies for all employees made effective on June 15, 2010 which stated for medical benefits the employee premium would be covered 80 percent with a 20 percent premium by the employee and family members under an authority plan would have their premium covered 50 percent with them having to pay the other 50 percent.The board closed the meeting then for an executive session to discuss further personnel matters.