CEDAR LAKE | Beginning Friday, town employees will be under a new health insurance and related benefits package that moves the town away from self-insurance and is intended to save taxpayers money.

On Tuesday, the Town Council suspended its rules to allow two readings of the ordinance.

The ordinance puts a fully funded insurance package through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in place. Randy Bailey, of the Henriott Group of Lafayette, brokered the plan.

Clerk-Treasurer Amy Sund has estimated that the move away from self-insurance will save the town $175,000 a year. She said having the fixed price allows her to know the town's financial position for next year.

Town Administrator Ian Nicolini said Tuesday that employees have two options from which to choose. The first option offers essentially the same benefits employees received through the previous plan. The second option provides for a health savings plan with a high deductible.

The plan includes not only health insurance, but dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage and life insurance.