Ellis County approves health insurance renewal and FSA vendor switch

On June 24, 2025, the Ellis County Commissioners Court convened to discuss several key items impacting county operations and employee benefits. The meeting highlighted significant decisions regarding health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and election security funding, all of which are poised to affect both county employees and residents.

One of the primary topics was the renewal of health insurance coverage for county employees and retirees. Human Resources Director Sharon Mancilla reported a favorable renewal rate of 3.7% for medical coverage and 10% for dental, with no changes to vision premiums. The court unanimously approved the recommendation for the county to absorb these costs, ensuring that employee premiums will remain unchanged. This decision marks the lowest renewal increase in five years, reflecting positively on the county's commitment to employee welfare.

The court also voted to switch the flexible spending account (FSA) vendor from Health Equity to WEX, following numerous complaints about the former's user-friendliness. The transition to WEX, which is associated with the Texas Association of Counties, aims to enhance service quality for employees, despite the need for new accounts and debit cards during the changeover.

In another significant move, the court approved a service agreement with UT Southwestern Medical Center for a mobile mammography unit, scheduled to visit Ellis County on November 14. This initiative continues the county's efforts to provide accessible health services to its employees.

The meeting further addressed election security with the acceptance of a $52,000 grant from the Help America Vote Act, which requires a county match of $10,400. This funding will be allocated to enhance security measures at polling places, a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Additionally, the court discussed the sale of a county-owned property in Waxahachie, which garnered considerable interest and was sold for $753,000. This transaction is expected to facilitate the establishment of a veterinary clinic, contributing to local economic development.

Lastly, the court began preliminary discussions on the fiscal year 2026 budget, revealing a projected total of $121 million in requests from various departments. The budget process is still in its early stages, with further adjustments anticipated as additional data becomes available.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to managing employee benefits, enhancing public health services, and ensuring election security, all while navigating the complexities of budgetary constraints. The decisions made are expected to have lasting implications for both county employees and the broader community.