Commissioners lean toward covering 50% of employee family health premiums; final decision to be recorded with budget
Summary
Commissioners discussed increasing the county—s share of employee family health insurance to make benefits more affordable and competitive; conversation centered on a 50% pickup versus a proposed 65% and staff will include a 50% projection in the budget for formal action.
County commissioners debated whether the county should pay 50% or 65% of employee family health-insurance premiums and indicated a preference for 50% to begin Oct. 1 if the budget allows. Why it matters: employer contribution levels affect employee recruitment and retention and have measurable budget consequences; staff estimated the 50% option would require tens of thousands of dollars in the budget. Discussion: commissioners recalled prior conversations about a 50% pickup and noted that a 65% proposal had been circulated. One participant said, "We originally talked about 50%." Another commissioner said they were "good with the 50" option. Staff referenced a calculation that shows the county-level cost differences between 50% and 65% in the meeting packet and an email trail that includes the exact figures. Timing and mechanism: commissioners discussed implementing the change effective Oct. 1 to align with the fiscal year and insurance enrollment. Staff said the measure would be included in the proposed budget and the commission would finalize the pickup percentage at the next work session or formal meeting. Next steps: staff will place the 50% pickup projection in the budget as requested and circulate the supporting calculations (previously provided by email) before the formal vote. The commission indicated it will finalize the percentage as part of the budget adoption process. Taper: Commissioners asked staff to follow the email thread and appropriation worksheet to confirm numbers prior to formal adoption.
