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Commissioners approve employees picking up 3% Blue Cross Blue Shield premium increase
Summary
Facing a projected premium increase, the board voted to have employees absorb a 3% hike in the county’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan this year; commissioners discussed alternatives and the possible use of future budget capacity to restore costs later.
Weston County commissioners voted March 18 to have county employees absorb a 3% increase in the employer share of Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums for the coming plan year. The board discussed alternatives — the county absorbing the full increase, a 50/50 split, or employees taking the full increase — and ultimately approved the motion to have employees take the increase.
Commissioners who supported the motion said the county’s budget is expected to be tight in the coming year and that absorbing the full increase now could force personnel or service cuts later. Commissioners who opposed noted the county previously absorbed large premium increases in prior years to protect staff. The board discussed a possible future decision to restore costs if the county’s financial position improves during the 2026 budget process.
Why it matters: Health insurance costs are a major personnel expense for counties; the board framed the vote as a short‑term shared‑responsibility move to preserve staffing levels in a tight budget environment.
Implementation: County payroll and benefits staff will implement plan changes and communicate the change to employees through Human Resources and the county clerk’s office.
Ending: Commissioners asked county staff to revisit the issue during the next budget cycle if revenue conditions improve.
