Councilor Zach Adamson (photo courtesy of the Marion County Democratic Party)

The city-county council will consider a proposal Monday evening that would provide same-sex benefits to city and county employees.

RTV6 reported the proposal appeared to have bipartisan support.

Chicago, Cleveland and Columbus already offer domestic partner benefits.

Zach Adamson, the council's first openly gay councilor, estimated the proposal would cost about $200,000 -- which is one-half percent of what the county currently spends on health insurance.

Adamson is a co-sponsor of the proposal.

He said it will make the city competitive as an employer and underscore our standing as a first-class city.

Advocates are optimistic that Mayor Ballard will support the plan.