Northampton is one city council vote away from green-lighting a process that could end up changing the city's health insurance benefits. The council last night gave final approval to accepting a section of state law that allows towns to, potentially join the less expensive health plan offered by the state Group Insurance Commission. Mayor David Narkewicz says the vote would only be the first step in a process of steps that would include direct negotiations with the city's public employee bargaining units. A second and final vote on the acceptance is expected at the next council meeting.
