[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6524839,"mediaKeyId","3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463","parentId",3805139,"title","Lavaca County approves health-plan renewals as medical costs drive 5.7% rate increase","audioSeconds",1632,"startMs",527000,"endMs",2159000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463&start=527&end=2159","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463/thumbnail_527000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6524839/Lavaca-County/Texas/Lavaca-County-approves-health-plan-renewals-as-medical-costs-drive-57-rate-increase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524839-f5e97d38bc18a63d25f5a2031d8ba4d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112355&Signature=c2uAG5IdUp~HzEQmIrFmy8IYwU1YDU2Ua4pVJfB6TmkzyFAiN65paQ~delto5cbKxMS0pmGlPOW0FnCVSMzWLuYxaLblY-RjmyoAHIJTxxhdlGzwSIIPXBpPkgJC7BWMexiUuEq5Sb0pLQIbHEyS-HNB~K4-d50IqkvCPDv-5aEC2U0bh4up~vF4qszM2ZohB8L-89yH1COpnWfEzG0JvPSQ~GPG6L7rEP7yaxDeXquwBPrSTuWV-02riJwapWpwKTsIfXIRgzFnnxoh-CzNkXvWgkw3DngLuVWBuX8KW7CtYTYXzGg23CkYM8TRxf--9-pnW5BUs9HBTu6V68G~eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lavaca County","date","2025-06-10T04:27:11Z","article","Lavaca County commissioners on June 9 approved renewal of the county's employee health plans, voting to adopt medical plan 700-G2 with a $30 copay and a $680 deductible (Rx plan 4AG2) and to accept a 5.7% overall rate increase for medical and prescription coverage.

The vote came after a presentation from Daniel Brown, a broker with the Summit Agency, and Lacey Jones, benefits consultant for the TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool. Brown told the court that Lavaca County paid $1,956,245 in premiums over the last 12 months while TAC and Blue Cross paid $2,177,000 in claims, producing a 99% loss ratio. Brown said of that figure, \"It's not ideal.\" Jones said the pool board found the full funding need at 6% and the county was allocated 5.7% based on its experience: \"The board found that the full needed amount is 6 percent.\"

Why it matters: county officials said the renewals affect the county's budget and employees' payroll costs and that prescription drug claims were a central factor in the rate increase. Jones told the court the pool will narrow its pharmacy network in an effort to control Rx costs going forward.

Key approvals and actions
- Medical and Rx: The court approved medical plan 700-G2 with Rx plan 4AG2 and a 5.7% rate increase (motion made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 3; approved by voice vote). The motion passed with all members voting in favor.
- Dental: The court approved Dental Plan 1 with orthodontia and a 13% rate increase (motion made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 1; approved by voice vote).
- Vision: The court approved the Value-12-12-24 vision plan with no rate change (motion made by Precinct 3, seconded by Precinct 4; approved by voice vote).
- Basic life: The court approved the basic life plan providing $10,000 coverage per employee with no rate change (motion made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 1; approved by voice vote).

Separately, the court tabled two administrative items to give staff more time to review: the benefits waiting period for new hires and the COBRA administration arrangement. Commissioners voted to table the waiting-period question for two weeks to allow the court's advisory committee and staff additional time to review implementation options (motion to table made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 3; passed). The court also tabled further action on COBRA administration (motion to table made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 1; passed).

Details and context: Brown and Jones walked the court through plan-level details in materials included in the renewal packet. Brown said three claims exceeded $100,000 in the 12-month period, several others exceeded $50,000, and that prescription drugs accounted for a substantial portion of recent paid claims. Jones said target pool loss ratio is 94% (94 cents of every dollar to claims) and that the pool's board allocated less than the full 6% increase to Lavaca County based on the county's relative history.

The county will continue with its grandfathered plan structure. Staff said changes to plan design could jeopardize grandfather status and that option changes should be evaluated carefully.

Next steps: Staff and the county's benefits advisors will provide additional detail to the court, and officials said they expect to revisit the waiting-period and COBRA items at a future meeting or committee session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","June 9, 2025 Regular Called Meeting Lavaca County, Texas Commissioners Court","oneSentenceSummary","Lavaca County commissioners on June 9 approved renewal of the county's employee health plans, voting to adopt medical plan 700-G2 with a $30 copay and a $680 deductible (Rx plan 4AG2) and to accept a 5.7% overall rate increase for medical and prescription coverage.","taxTitle","Lavaca County, Texas","taxId",69547,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524824,"Votes at a glance: Lavaca County Commissioners Court, June 9, 2025",1208,2445000,3653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463&start=2445&end=3653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463/thumbnail_2445000.jpg","/articles/6524824/Lavaca-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Lavaca-County-Commissioners-Court-June-9-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524824-95f94c9d2856b172c2db94b42dd14b8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112355&Signature=Q7njUkU9Hdo8KdBw9TrW22cmCp-HJIyzR6mdLzTOnaMY1MMrcmMH0l797tNpJFY9u330U9SDCQMR~jVD0prfC9PKNDF03WU66uxqPEA1KFS9x42ga62ZvxF5yZLz9MneZBIVJ4AAW~JOc5tV73NuSZoRfbpEelH6WaCyLizZZQdyTbDvvmJ-ZPT8RHFh8CQ--Vlz8Pv~NDJfLHHQqwTX3r90hEHMU8yCWTUrSONgUMgVA-EDGGnTMd3LrWO5GzlxYZPIkiSPwrgCQx6Iqa9baC9RS4Yy5YDc7f3HQKNqEP-KcZCsrOy6J1HDEkOrEi76hKeiqVnssSVBlmsfcjk6Mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lavaca County Commissioners Court took several administrative and contracting votes on June 9, 2025. Below is a concise list of motions, movers/seconders as recorded in the meeting and outcomes.

1) Unclaimed property capital-credit distribution (Texas Comptroller, LGC 381.004)
- Motion: Approve distribution of unclaimed-property capital credits for 2023 ($8,416.51) and 2024 ($36,003.73) and split the combined total equally three ways among Norma's House, Child Welfare Board, and Yoakum Public Library.
- Motion made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 1; approved by voice vote.

2) Advertise concrete and labor bids for county roads
- Motion: Approve advertisement for concrete and labor bids; publication to run June 9 through June 30, 2025; sealed bids to be received by the county auditor at 109 N. LaGrange St., Hallettsville, Texas, until 10:30 a.m. June 30, 2025; bids to be opened at 10:45 a.m. June 30, 2025; award to be discussed at a later court meeting.
- Motion made by Precinct 3, seconded by Precinct 4; approved by voice vote.
- Note: The meeting transcript contains an internal date inconsistency about the award date; staff should confirm the intended award meeting date before advertising.

3) Interlocal agreement to purchase surplus radios from the City of Burleson
- Motion: Approve interlocal agreement for purchase of 30 portable radios from the City of Burleson at $1,000 each, total $30,000, with the EMS department's equipment sale line used to fund the purchase and internal reallocation to participating departments.
- Motion made by Precinct 4, seconded by Precinct 3; approved by voice vote.

4) Thomas Reuters CLEAR ProPlex investigative service contract for Sheriff's Office
- Motion: Approve a three-year contract for CLEAR ProPlex investigative support (current cost $211/month with a projected 5% annual increase for the next two years).
- Motion made by Precinct 1, seconded by Precinct 2; approved by voice vote.

5) Donation of two tables to archives
- Motion: Accept donation of two tables from Merle and Janice Richardson for use as map tables in the archives department.
- Motion made by Precinct 3, seconded by Precinct 4; approved by voice vote.

6) Replats and subdivision-exemption approvals
- Motions: Approved replat for Calvin and Beverly Walters (Precinct 4) and certificates of exemption from subdivision requirements for Dennis Berger (Precinct 3) and Marcus Grama (Precinct 1).
- Motions made and seconded as recorded in the minutes; approved by voice votes.

7) Consent agenda and procedural items
- The court approved a consent agenda with one motion and then proceeded to executive session for a separate item. The court announced the next regular meeting for June 23, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Administrative notes: Several items were informational only (budget-calendar presentation, road-paving equipment discussion) and will be handled through staff follow-up or upcoming budget workshops. The court tabled COVID-related administration items and COBRA administration for additional review.

For each of the above items, the meeting transcript records motions, seconders (by precinct number) and that motions passed by voice vote or by show of hands where noted.","Summary of motions and outcomes from the June 9, 2025 Lavaca County Commissioners Court meeting, including grant distributions, bid advertising, equipment purchases and contracts approved by the court.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524829,"Lavaca County authorizes Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue illegal-subdivision litigation after closed session",0,4224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463&start=4224&end=4224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463/thumbnail_4224000.jpg","/articles/6524829/Lavaca-County/Texas/Lavaca-County-authorizes-Allison-Bass-McGee-LLP-to-pursue-illegal-subdivision-litigation-after-closed-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524829-86e8940da314a270bd5ee1137b8ca01c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112355&Signature=iwpCm9VIY0FuyEXez7FLsgLEmkzGPzO1DQ4M2s3UKjJX6J4kg3WilmdOqF76qKUCGZgPP0rHehaBTXmFSe~DwpMZVSAL8ZXG3ry3Qi1YvbDolVREZ3Q1Lsajk2ErUn1lh-egWJ-bSXpvjwc4IF88P0DRkJb2BmvBiHvtHs5EhFHkxSzCF8X~HiAd9Wy1qCc4umVaZgIw6htNcXXPy~KunfXnQS1PQDLBQAhr5IRyQqXO5kCoXpp2lRLlYEhtC8r4lQvCFAv3QpSMmOR-SvLD9Xe8FbQPtRVufznlouJAlOpuNSXLIqnE8fc6a2NRuHOqwTHARCAuJp~oxtgh89t0Eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After a brief closed executive session on June 9, the Lavaca County Commissioners Court voted to authorize Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue litigation concerning an alleged illegal subdivision in the county.

The court moved into executive session to consult with the county attorney and returned to open session before taking the vote. A motion to allow Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue the litigation was made and seconded; the court's record shows a 5-0 vote by show of hands.

The court did not disclose case details in open session. Commissioners said they would rely on the county attorney and the retained firm for legal strategy; further public updates will depend on the ongoing litigation and counsel's guidance.

Motion: Motion to approve allowance for Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue litigation (motion made by Precinct 2, seconded by Precinct 1; approved 5-0 by show of hands).

Because the matter was discussed in executive session, the court did not provide additional specifics about the allegations or legal claims when it voted in open session.","Following a closed executive session, the Lavaca County Commissioners Court on June 9 voted 5-0 to authorize law firm Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue litigation related to an alleged illegal subdivision in the county.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6524834,"Lavaca County adds three jailers and one investigator, to be paid with SB 22 funds",422,3071000,3493000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463&start=3071&end=3493","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3805139-73b819a9856a255148daf6e615f9f463/thumbnail_3071000.jpg","/articles/6524834/Lavaca-County/Texas/Lavaca-County-adds-three-jailers-and-one-investigator-to-be-paid-with-SB-22-funds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6524834-34eb23ff54469c0aa8e8fa55b63b2370/orig.mp4?Expires=1775112355&Signature=WMjMMVru~wHdRe5IBXsnN5LlcRxVEElYfTFPFopSPwuoOlVVGz4Q~3oFLPBSzI0HjZzGQ0pAVtSe4Qddd3uoi-ndR0CitbCluDkjANNw0IZaC-BZ6N1d1~x7l00D9q24SC9eD-kHDEi9MH~POETlYHsAOCtBmDak6zNAcSQvlpCXaqoxcoCfnynlrQAdnleem9ruTfLRq2vW51m-14MmdS~SpTE1VvJSo~UexPvB5x7OytAkj~xI9N0IHCminRIEeuP-DfNoUVaOG3aOXDuMacN~RjY~-3y8WEQUnLU3QAFT~NMwcGw~Ms4Z0CEDeG-nB4gvPt5YnaxS9gf-uGFn1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lavaca County commissioners on June 9 authorized the Sheriff's Office to add three jailer positions and one investigator, with salaries funded from existing Senate Bill 22 (SB 22) allocations.

Sheriff's office leaders and jail management told the court the county jail has been operating consistently near 41 inmates and that staffing levels -- typically two jailers on duty, one in a control room and one on the floor -- were creating safety and liability concerns. \"Having 1 jailer on the floor for 40 inmates is not prudent,\" the Lavaca County judge said during the discussion.

Matthew Keller, jail administrator for the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office, described the request as a move from 14 to 17 jailer positions to provide safer coverage. Chief Deputy Paul Hertz and jail leadership said an additional investigator position would bring specialized investigative contacts and capacity to work with federal partners. Hertz said the investigator opportunity was \"exceptional\" and would enhance major-crime investigations.

The court voted to approve the four positions and allow the hires to begin immediately, using SB 22 funds to cover salaries through the current fiscal period. Commissioners asked staff to review October 1 budget implications during upcoming budget workshops.

Motion and implementation: Motion to approve the staffing changes was made by Precinct 4 and seconded by Precinct 3 and passed by voice vote. County staff said applicants for the jailer openings have already been vetted and recommended immediate hiring to improve safety.

Context: Commissioners and staff said the county has seen a rise in indictments and felony cases this year, creating sustained demand on jail operations and investigation resources. The court said it will re-evaluate funding and staffing needs during the regular budget process for the next fiscal year.","Commissioners approved adding three jailer positions and one investigator to the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office on June 9, 2025, using existing Senate Bill 22 funds; county leaders cited jail overcrowding and safety concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lavaca County approves health-plan renewals as medical costs drive 5.7% rate increase

Votes at a glance: Lavaca County Commissioners Court, June 9, 2025

Lavaca County authorizes Allison Bass McGee LLP to pursue illegal-subdivision litigation after closed session

Lavaca County adds three jailers and one investigator, to be paid with SB 22 funds