The Eaton County Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 15 to override Public Act 152 and adopt a custom cost‑sharing formula for county employee health insurance, increasing the employees’ premium share by 5%.

County administration told commissioners that PA 152 allows several statutory options — an 80/20 employer/employee split, a hard cap rate, or an override that permits a custom formula. Administration recommended the override so the county could match a 5% increase in employee premiums to the employees’ cost‑of‑living adjustment and to maintain budget reserves in case claims exceed expectations.

The override requires a two‑thirds vote under state law. The board conducted a roll call and the motion carried; commissioners voting yes included Arndt, Haskell, Whitaker, Mudry, Jones, Drosha, Toomey, Hansen, Christiansen, Holmes, Barber and Chairman Mott. The motion was moved by Commissioner Durocher and supported by Commissioner Haskell.

A county staff member clarified during discussion: “Just wanna make sure that you understand the rates are not the 5% pay increase. It's 5% on the current premiums.” The administrator emphasized the step was intended to preserve benefits while keeping budgeted contingencies for higher claims.

The board did not adopt specific rates at the override vote; administration said it would adopt the resulting rates after the override and that the change aligns with amounts budgeted for the current year. No legal challenge or external approval was referenced at the meeting.