[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6156066,"mediaKeyId","5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a","parentId",5471782,"title","County hears three broker proposals as health plan shows loss ratio above 100%","audioSeconds",6770,"startMs",286000,"endMs",7056000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a&start=286&end=7056","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a/thumbnail_286000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6156066/Franklin-County/Washington/County-hears-three-broker-proposals-as-health-plan-shows-loss-ratio-above-100","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156066-e60f2d6f5606a86ed18462a312ba7bcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173524&Signature=orQqh72ofG2finHFqzKKPMPaaIv~i26IXVNtw8o4GjcQ9vVnzw62-2kS6i4ctzDNkLf1OZovVo88uda1J828Co8RD4aaF6XRsZc9sQeuucdTq0LoT78m7xXdGSDZ-nTENogAq1~YT1cRrN-D3LBc1ny--N-afZlXMSN3Km3caRZlvierRllag~dtUAGvk9CdnRl8bdduYI6cE5T1fvcjCByRgeOoCC1i2Fz~3Bt3ZTALFI6NtIceMDfwXQ8a9Kxe81WmYf5bd9fsAg0hzgv-iV5g1mXgE~SSs5weFr0B2i4vtlS8~bsP127EdaSVpbACdO1G8rtOXv8BF~T7rReuGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Franklin County, WA","date","2025-07-24T08:01:34Z","article","Three firms — HUB International, Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) and Alliant Insurance — gave finalist presentations to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners on July 23 as the county prepares for an August renewal of its employee health plan. The presentations included population analyses, proposals for member engagement and modeling tools; presenters warned that current claims experience points to a rate increase if carriers hold their filed trends.

The presentations matter because the county’s current fully insured plan is running well above break‑even this plan year, several presenters said, and that will shape renewal offers and the county’s near‑term options, including discussions about VEBA contributions and longer‑term alternatives such as level‑funded or self‑funded arrangements.

HUB International lead consultant Brandon Cleary told commissioners that the county’s prior plan year had a loss ratio of about 77.5% (about $2.1 million in paid claims on roughly $2.7 million in premiums) but that the most recent six‑month snapshot showed roughly $1.6 million paid claims against about $1.4 million in premiums — a loss ratio near 110%. Cleary said that “where we sit today, we’re looking at a trend renewal for Premera … probably going to be in the range of 12 to 13% out of the gate,” and emphasized the firm’s experience and tools, including a persona analysis that segments employees by age, service years and plan enrollment.

Alliant consultants highlighted modeling and underwriting capabilities they said would help the county evaluate contribution changes and funding alternatives. Alliant emphasized analytics and underwriting depth for groups considering refunding or self‑funding and noted existing pooled stop‑loss/refunding arrangements for public‑sector clients. “We are the largest independently owned brokerage firm in The United States,” said Alliant presenter Sean Sicilio while describing the firm’s market clout and underwriting resources.

Marsh McLennan framed its approach around long‑term sustainability and employee education, stressing pharmacy cost risk and the importance of population‑health initiatives and member advocacy to reduce avoidable spend. Marsh’s presentation focused on building a multi‑year plan and on employee communications, claiming close experience managing large municipal groups and local provider relationships that can expedite claim resolution.

Commissioners asked whether large active claims would push renewals higher; presenters said there were multiple large claims this year and at least three pooled claims that will affect risk calculations. HUB and Alliant said they could provide detailed monthly experience reports, plan modelers that show contribution and design changes in real time, and standalone analytics. HUB noted a prior premium holiday and a seven‑year average renewal of about 5.74% on accounts it described as successfully negotiated, but both HUB and Alliant cautioned that the current rolling 12‑month loss ratio and the active large claims point toward a higher baseline trend.

After the presentations and a short recess, commissioners discussed next steps and agreed to delay a broker selection. Commissioner [unnamed] said he was prepared to decide that day but the board ultimately agreed to reconvene next week to select a broker and direct the chosen firm to begin negotiations and renewals work. Commissioners also asked staff to keep the benefits committee and bargaining teams involved and to request detailed renewal proposals in August.

What’s next: the county will continue benefits committee meetings, gather renewal quotes starting in August, and the board expects the finalists’ analytic models and contribution/migration tools to be made available to bargaining units and committee members before any adoption of substantive contribution or design changes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/23/2025 Franklin County, WA Board of County Commissioners Regular meeting and Workshop.","oneSentenceSummary","Three firms — HUB International, Marsh McLennan Agency and Alliant Insurance — gave finalist presentations to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners on July 23 as the county prepares for an August renewal of its employee health plan.","taxTitle","Franklin County, Washington","taxId",5109,"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},6156051,"County launches two‑year strategic planning process, highlights roads and reserves as early priorities",1255,9653000,10908000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a&start=9653&end=10908","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a/thumbnail_9653000.jpg","/articles/6156051/Franklin-County/Washington/County-launches-twoyear-strategic-planning-process-highlights-roads-and-reserves-as-early-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156051-1ffed4ac58c7ad9dc4f1daedb0c51827/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173524&Signature=kzUR-BuVyosg~YgfmP1dk6FfuSLQavSvWy1NuAyKLOTzEcADLaN2WFdu~YWivy9M9tayYS3dqrPUZyfv0f1~Xd~Tg7zmIzIKQ11TkgYyECpvfvCYqdZVx13XxMotRxabx9vVo2h8sGV2gDPHJXAtN0bkX5bV0YNUBigx8~IPGjDZQQQZBgymcD1s6DcxH9V1Zkt55RPJ0PipB1KTfTIB-RDpfN18~WfM3GlgscLWVFstgg-ipaZ2HLsPtMTyX8Wz9xedH~MlQ04n8efZ157Vs2d-jd2nAxgZgP3JMePkTLdHwXm~s~XEWPUo55CpsGi0e8HKQQ-2RtnywDaAgpb~~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Franklin County launched a two‑year strategic planning process at a workshop following the July 23 commissioners meeting. County administrator Danzel presented a phased approach that begins with assessment and stakeholder engagement, moves to strategy development with measurable targets, and ends with periodic review and adaptation.

Danzel told the board the aim is to “guide Franklin County’s future growth and development,” improve resource allocation and accountability, and provide a durable agenda beyond single meeting cycles. The proposed phases include data collection and a stakeholder outreach campaign (focus groups, business and resident surveys), a SWOT analysis, goal and metric setting, and a public adoption step followed by implementation tracking.

Commissioners and staff discussed candidate priorities to place in the two‑year effort. Danzel recorded board suggestions that included protecting the road fund from diversions, prioritizing pavement and turnouts on key rural roads (the board mentioned Glade Road and northern county routes), updating building‑code and comprehensive‑plan policies, reviewing interlocal agreements and contract terms, and advancing reserve policy milestones. Commissioners stressed the need for measurable targets and regular check‑ins: as one commissioner summarized, “Prior planning prevents poor performance.”

Danzel proposed a compact implementation team to draft the plan and broader stakeholder mapping to ensure community input; he also circulated draft survey text for review and said staff would launch outreach promptly. The board asked administration to schedule a series of workshops, circulate survey instruments, and return with a draft strategic plan and a recommended public engagement schedule.

What’s next: staff will distribute surveys and schedule follow‑up workshops; the plan will include explicit metrics, timelines and assigned staff leads for each major objective. The board indicated it will review and formally adopt the strategic plan when a draft reflecting community input is ready.","County administrator Danzel presented a multi‑phase, two‑year strategic planning framework at the commissioners' July 23 workshop. The plan outlines stakeholder engagement, metrics, and initial priorities including protecting the road fund, updating building code and strengthening reserves.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156056,"Commissioners exempt Weed Board from hiring freeze and authorize two sheriff deputy hires",215,8117000,8332000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a&start=8117&end=8332","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a/thumbnail_8117000.jpg","/articles/6156056/Franklin-County/Washington/Commissioners-exempt-Weed-Board-from-hiring-freeze-and-authorize-two-sheriff-deputy-hires","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156056-f0c79c4dcce4e4a06570cc9f231b380a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173524&Signature=nfilDmpVdMiwlpYRTjbq4xSMjSxCEh4G6IrivSPN24sriWptXPrb~qhohvGkcAfspbo~7fAQnkWJImso3bxOmOrae6EvwA5mGYwn7VwoU998ZL9c4vCchZvQzsyEV0OG-5-n0N~ojlgA601MmEllwsOt8Bd4NPb1lIUvmKrux1avCORXmAhcVPCipJgjGk5Ab8Zrt-Mz2GcwsysjdPTjhgVuf3NpnMoRP95B54JQZTqwWwBi8flpcyPsq564dudyEhiDqDItnoy8-VwiUPSqEilVr5rKBjKkJXp5QrkKeL17Q~DvAfULeE0vsGqmDhv~4apmEq3liPdLj~wtyQAw9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved two separate personnel actions on July 23: an exemption for the Noxious Weed Control Board to hire seasonal staff despite the countywide hiring freeze, and authorization to fill two sheriff deputy vacancies in the interest of public safety.

Administrator Danzel recommended exempting the Weed Board from the hiring freeze because the Weed Board is funded by a separate property‑tax assessment rather than the county’s current expense fund; commissioners approved the exemption after a motion and second. “They are funded out of an assessment on people's property taxes. They are not funded out of the current expense fund,” Danzel said in explaining the recommendation.

On the sheriff’s request, the board approved the immediate hiring of deputy positions while pausing on a separate administrative FTE request that staff and the sheriff’s office are still reconciling. Danzel said the sheriff needs deputy hires for public safety and that the county should avoid hamstringing patrol staffing; the board approved hiring two deputies and asked administration to resolve discrepancies in the count of full‑time employees tied to warrants and corrections before authorizing further hires.

Public commenters emphasized operational impacts. A sheriff’s office support specialist told the board that warrants must be entered into national and state systems within 72 hours and that the extra warrant work has shifted into other staff duties; the specialist said the current arrangement is stressing disclosures and public‑records workflows. Fire District 5 Chief Brian Thornhill also addressed the board during public comment, saying he had sought dialog about an operational dispute involving the district and that he wanted a meeting with county counsel and the district’s board to resolve outstanding issues.

What’s next: the Weed Board may proceed with hiring within its budget and assessment authority; the sheriff will move forward with two deputy hires and county administration will report back to commissioners with clarification on the relevant FTE accounting and any budget implications before additional hires occur.","The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on July 23 approved an exemption allowing the Noxious Weed Control Board to hire seasonal help and authorized hiring two sheriff deputies, while asking county administration to reconcile an FTE-count dispute before any additional sheriff hires.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6156061,"Commissioners adopt federal procurement policy to improve federal grant readiness",148,4234000,4382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a&start=4234&end=4382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5471782-1d34105aad245fdb5bc0001d8e855c3a/thumbnail_4234000.jpg","/articles/6156061/Franklin-County/Washington/Commissioners-adopt-federal-procurement-policy-to-improve-federal-grant-readiness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6156061-862a178c79a6d62729712f1eed1f1476/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173524&Signature=gL29Lq6dJZqZXtuztieMXgk-7RmAr0ZqQawgTVNQ4jGAZgmxFnEj6DyT0rkFf2fU13A9Jf8fhgP5~FQPFWt434GyeB2-sPvAu~IL3CYZthv8mB~7IptM0DXwTaXucwUV03~w6P-ojAkXJ-cdq5srPkebiAcGTOJr3L0dwCqvlExa0WBBZkSPew9b-~i7kIJVcAwf5R5wB8Q2RgaogBmF9QB6mvUohjOKEKlNh0WMbI9KFxKjAduojMuQ~qTBWK3SbWjp~Jav4iF4~9EIr7bmH~6MpINQj8Gzcb7E2VllnSTBNAi~HLp4C2AmapwjnOJHHA5zaNrSLvfufoF-DjTZ0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Franklin County commissioners voted unanimously on July 23 to adopt a federal procurement policy, a step county staff said is necessary to pursue and manage federal grants and to respond to audit requirements. Administrator Danzel presented the policy and recommended adoption; the board moved, seconded and approved the resolution listed in the meeting as “Resolution 20 20 five‑two 20.”

Danzel told the board the policy is “a fundamental tool for protecting county resources, maximizing funding potential, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds,” emphasizing that many federal solicitations require a written procurement policy. A commissioner who spoke in favor noted that past audit findings identified gaps in procurement policy, and said having a written federal procurement policy should reduce future audit risks.

The board’s vote was recorded by voice: a motion to approve was made, a second followed, and the chair called for the ayes; the clerk recorded the motion as carried with all commissioners saying “aye.” The adopted policy standardizes procurement procedures for federal funds and will be used when Franklin County applies for or manages federal grants going forward.

What’s next: staff and legal counsel will publish the adopted procurement policy and incorporate it into grant application procedures and internal controls. The county expects improved alignment with state auditor expectations and wider eligibility for federal grant competitions.","Franklin County commissioners voted unanimously July 23 to adopt a federal procurement policy intended to standardize procurement for federal grants and reduce audit risk, county administrator Danzel said.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County hears three broker proposals as health plan shows loss ratio above 100%

County launches two‑year strategic planning process, highlights roads and reserves as early priorities

Commissioners exempt Weed Board from hiring freeze and authorize two sheriff deputy hires

Commissioners adopt federal procurement policy to improve federal grant readiness