VERSAILLES — Versailles Village employees will see an increase in their health insurance rates this year, but the village is making an effort to reduce the costs as much as possible.

Council member Todd Dammeyer reported on behalf of the Finance and Audit Committee that Medical Mutual had told Phelan Insurance that the expected rate increase for the year was 12 percent, but Phelan asked for a review of the rate increase. After reviewing April claims, Medical Mutual agreed to a rate increase of 9 percent.

The village employee manual states that the village pays 80 percent of the premium with the employee paying 20 percent, but last year the village paid 83 percent. That will change slightly this year with the village paying an 82-18 split, but the village will pick up half of the out-of-pocket expense for employees from the first dollar, rather than after the first $500, Dammeyer said. Council approved the recommendation of the Finance and Audit Committee.

In other business, council approved a recommendation of the village’s Tax Incentive Review Council to approve a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement Amendment with MASH Investments LLC and prepare legislation for the next meeting. Village Administrator Rodd Hale explained to council that the business would soon be out of compliance under the current agreement, necessitating the amendment.

Council also approved a recommendation from the Tree Commsision to treat only non-infected ash trees in the village this year. The proposal is a cost-saving effort to avoid paying for Emerald Ash Borer treatment for trees that already are infected with the parasite and likely beyond saving.