Blue Cross out, BioPark fees up

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) - Albuquerque Mayor R.J. Berry announced Friday that he wants the city to drop one of its health-insurance carriers and raise BioPark admission fees to help balance next year's budget that's projected to be $40 million short.

The mayor said for the most part, the city’s budget is in far better shape than it has been in the past.  However, he said changes are still needed.

Berry plan includes severing ties with Blue Cross & Blue Shield and leaving Presbyterian Health Services as the sole insurance provider.  He said after negotiating with both groups it was the best option for employees and the city.

“We think in essence it would have been higher premium for the employees if we had not made these changes,” Berry said.

Cutting ties with Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico would affect about a third of the city's 6,500 employees, Berry said at an early afternoon news conference. The move is expected to save nearly $4.7 million a year, Berry said.

At least one city councilor said he’s concerned.  “Hopefully they can still see the same doctors that would be my concern because I know for many families if they have a serious illness, having to switch doctors and dealing with major medical problems is a very difficult thing,” said councilor Ken Sanchez.

Bernalillo County employees share the city's health care plan.  KRQE was told more than 700 of county workers are also under Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Another part of Berry’s budget balancing plan would raise by $1.50 admissions to BioPark facilities including the zoo, aquarium and botanic gardens.  The mayor said the fee increase would help pay for the already planned expansion of the crocodile exhibit and rose garden.

Another increased fee would be a two dollar hike at the city's shooting range.

The biggest cost saving measure on the mayor's plan would eliminate more vacant positions and bring the total of city jobs cut in the last two years to 348.

Berry said there is money for a 1% pay increase for employees making less than $100,000 annually.  He attributes the extra cash to a slight increase in gross receipts taxes from consumer spending and city budget cuts during the last two years.

The mayor’s plan will now head to the city council for approval.