The Trenton City Council voted unanimously Dec. 1 to approve a consulting agreement with Plant Moran Group Benefit Advisors to advise the city on health and welfare benefit plans.

Perry, the city’s HR director, told the council the consultant will provide plan analysis and support for renewals and plan design as the city confronts rising health-care costs and growing benefits complexity. Perry said the consulting fee will not exceed $99,000. A council member asked what the city paid the prior year; Perry responded the prior expense was approximately $80,000.

Perry framed the contract as a step to maintain quality benefits for both retirees and active employees. The council moved and supported the contract authorization and approved it without recorded opposition.

No contract details beyond the maximum fee were read into the record; council members asked one question about past spending and received Perry’s reply that last year’s consultant cost was about $80,000. The contract authorization was entered as part of the meeting’s consent actions.