City commissioners at their Tuesday evening meeting unanimously agreed to change the city’s health insurance plan in an effort to cut down on health care increases that were costing about $1 million per year.

Commissioners agreed to sign a new contract with CIGNA and Delta Dental to be the administrators of the city’s health insurance program. The city has for many years used Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas.

Commissioners did hear some concerns from representatives of the city’s police and fire unions. Those groups expressed concern about a new provision that would require some employees to sign an affidavit saying they would not use tobacco products for the year, in order to qualify for a reduction in the amount of premium they must pay.

The groups said they did not object to the city encouraging people to quit smoking, but said the city should instead provide a more comprehensive program of classes and support groups to help people quit smoking.

Commissioners directed staff members to come up with some options on how the city could be more helpful in assisting employees who want to quit tobacco use.