Commissioners approve Horton Group client services agreement for employee benefits consulting

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved a client services agreement with the Horton Group to provide employee benefits consulting and related services, with the county and commissioners citing potential cost savings.

The county’s chair summarized the search for a new benefits consultant, saying the county “reached out to 3 different companies” and interviewed two, and that the change presented “the opportunity to save a significant amount of money.” County Attorney Phil Garrett and financial consultant Steve Dalton assisted in negotiations; the board noted Horton agreed to a four-year contract term at the county’s request.

During the discussion, a commissioner thanked Garrett and Dalton for extensive negotiations and noted the county had requested a four-year term after Horton initially proposed three years: “They wanted to give us a 3 year, but we asked them for 4 because we felt we got a pretty good price, and we wanted to get lock that in.” The commissioner said concerns raised during review were addressed and that he would vote to support the new company.

Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the agreement by voice vote; recorded votes were “Aye.” The county did not disclose detailed dollar savings or specific contract fees during the public discussion; staff said the decision followed a detailed comparison of the prior contract to the proposed agreement.

The county indicated the change is intended to reduce benefits administration costs as it prepares for anticipated financial pressures related to recent legislation and projected budget effects; no implementation timeline or transition steps were provided on the record.