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County staff to pursue benefits‑options review; commissioners ask for broad analysis including ICRA and PEB options
Summary
County HR presented a plan to restart benefits discussions and asked the Board whether to pursue outside proposals or refine existing arrangements. Commissioners requested a comprehensive set of options — including ICRA, PEB, WCIF and hybrid/self‑insured models — and asked for workshops with brokers and staff in early February.
Franklin County Human Resources opened a renewed discussion of county employee benefits during a workshop Wednesday, asking the Board for direction on whether to (a) request market proposals from other brokers and programs or (b) make administrative adjustments to the current plan and contribution structure.
Margot (HR) told commissioners the county had adjusted contribution levels last year and now should decide whether to test the market. She said options include staying with the current broker and refining contribution tiers, soliciting bids from other brokers, or considering pooled public plans such as PEB (Public Employees Benefits Board), WCIF (Washington Counties Insurance Fund) or union‑sponsored group plans. “You can also discuss…just the ability to refine your current benefit contributions and stick with the same provider,” Margot said.
Why it matters: Commissioners raised concerns about long‑term sustainability of current cash‑in‑lieu and VEBA arrangements. Commissioner Baumann urged a comprehensive review of options. Commissioner Mullen asked that employee voices be included and recommended representation from union and non‑bargaining groups on a benefits committee. County Administrator Eric and HR staff proposed scheduling a series of workshops and broker presentations early next month.
Next steps: HR will schedule a benefits workshop in early February and invite brokers and plan representatives to present ICRA and other options. Staff will provide materials to commissioners and encourage departmental and union input. The Board asked that the benefits committee (staff and union representatives) participate and that HR post workshop notice so employees can attend or view presentations virtually.
Details discussed: - Current carrier: the county returned to Premera recently and secured a lower than expected rate increase this year, with no guaranteed cap for next year. - Options requested for analysis: ICRA, PEB/PEBB (state plan), WCIF, Teamsters/FOP group plans, hybrid or self‑insurance models and administrative changes to contribution tiers and plan design. - Implementation considerations: administrative complexity of plan designs and potential tech/platform changes for benefits administration were flagged; HR noted current benefits‑admin integrations would need review if the county changes brokers or plan structure.
Ending: Commissioners agreed to begin a multi‑part review. HR will schedule broker presentations and a benefits workshop in early February and will include employee representation and the benefits committee in the review process.
