Section 243.867 - Participation in benefit plan by local government(1) The governing body of a local government may elect to participate in a benefit plan offered by the Oregon Educators Benefit Board.(2) The decision of the governing body of a local government to participate in a benefit plan offered by the board is in the discretion of the governing body of the local government and is a permissive subject of collective bargaining.(3) If the governing body of a local government elects to offer a benefit plan through the board, the governing body may elect one time only to provide alternative group health and welfare insurance benefit plans to eligible employees if: (a) The alternative benefit plan is offered through the health insurance exchange under ORS 741.310(1)(b); and(b) The participation of the local government is not precluded under federal law on or after January 1, 2017.