By Alabama Public Radio
Huntsville, AL – Huntsville City employees are getting a cost of living raise. But, they also are going to have to pay higher health insurance premiums. The city council approved a 156 million dollar budget this week. It gives city employees a one percent cost-of-living raise. The boost will cost the city about 800-thousand dollars. However, the city also is expecting a 10-to-15 percent increase in health care costs. City Finance Director Randy Taylor says Huntsville employees will contribute about 400-thousand dollars more toward their health benefits. The city has more than 23 hundred full- and part-time employees.