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HR director reports personnel changes, incentive program and rising health costs
Summary
HR Director Thuleeda Coleman updated the court on staffing (funded positions, vacancies, hires), the county’s employee wellness incentive, recent adoption of a revised personnel policy, and midyear health plan concerns ahead of a likely premium increase.
Thuleeda Coleman, Grimes County HR director, delivered a monthly departmental report on staffing counts, benefits and the county’s wellness incentive program.
Coleman reported the county currently funds 220.5 positions. Since Oct. 1, 2024 the county had recorded 21 separations and hired 24 new employees; she reported roughly 10 current vacancies including one in the district attorney’s office, five in the sheriff’s office (four deputy and one admin), two jailer positions, and two road and bridge positions.
She summarized the county’s wellness incentive: employees who complete specified tasks — an annual exam or a tobacco cessation program (or sign a non‑smoker affidavit) — may earn up to four hours of PTO per task. Last year 87 employees participated; Coleman said she plans to propose program enhancements and additional quarterly challenges to boost participation. The county received $3,010 from the Texas Association of Counties’ Healthy County rewards this year, she said, and the county can receive up to $7,000 annually based on participation and activities.
Coleman told commissioners the county recently adopted a revised personnel policy; she said the policy is now posted online and that travel‑reimbursement changes are effective April 1, 2025 (travel that occurred before April 1 remains governed by the prior policy).
On benefits, Coleman said the county’s mid‑year medical review shows high utilization and several large claims that are driving the county’s renewal outlook. She reported a 12‑month claim experience of 124.86 percent and a three‑year loss ratio of about 99.2 percent; she told the court she expects a premium increase and that TAC (the county’s pooled administrator) will present renewal information in May. Coleman described multiple high‑cost claims in the last 12 months and told the court staff will invite TAC to a future meeting to explain the drivers of the increase and recommended options for plan design ahead of July open enrollment.
Commissioners thanked Coleman for the report and asked her to return with more detail on renewal scenarios and proposed incentive changes to encourage preventive care.
