Employee medical insurance for Kewanee city employees and retirees will cost more this year due to a higher level of claims in the past year.

The City Council Monday approved the renewal of a self-funded insurance plan with Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Illinois.

Speaking with the council remotely, a representative of the firm that handles the city’s insurance said claims in the past year were higher.

The increase was particularly high for retirees, who also are covered under the Blue Cross-Blue Shield plan.

Councilman Adam Cernovich pointed out that premium increases for retirees under the new plan will be “much higher” than those for current employees.

Cernovich asked if the council could do something to help the retirees, but Mayor Gary Moore pointed out that contracts with the three unions that represent city employees govern the insurance coverage and there isn’t much the council can do to change things.

“We can’t unilaterally change the situation,” Cernovich said.

Also Monday:

— The council approved special use permits allowing Marcus and Bobi Throneburg to operate a bed and breakfast at 531 Elliott St., and Autumn DeKoster to operate a home-based counseling service at her home at 304 Whitney Ave.

— Also approved was the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to pay for an expensive sidewalk repair at 104 W. First St. The cost of the repairs is nearly $50,000.

— Increases in fees at local cemeteries were approved. Chris Berry, public works director, said the old rates weren’t enough to cover the costs of burials and other services in the cemeteries.

— An agreement between the city and Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee for maintenance of the two Catholic cemeteries in the city was approved.