The city of Durango plans to extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners of its employees starting next year.

The City Council is expected to approve the move next month, joining more than 60 other state municipalities who already make the option available to same-sex couples. City Councilor Michael Rendon says the change is the right thing to do and it will make a statement that Durango is inclusive.

Human Resources Director Linda Crouse says the financial impact will be minimal and about less than 1 percent of the city's 308 full-time employees are expected to benefit.

Last month, Colorado State University also passed a measure extending health care benefits to domestic partners of its employees.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)