YAKIMA, Wash. - The City of Yakima's health care costs continue to be one of the city's biggest expenses.
In an effort to cut back on the $11 million they spend on health care benefits, City Manager Tony O'Rourke wants to open an employee health care clinic.
He says the clinic would provide check-ups and prescription medication for employees at a lower cost, saving the city $360,000 in its first year.
"Taxpayers are clearly benefiting. If we can reduce our health care costs, that saves the public money and those are moneys we like to then divert to capital improvements and benefits to the greater community," O'Rourke said.
The clinic would be located in the Sunfair Professional Building downtown.
If it's approved by the city council, it could open as soon as February.
