Williamson County keeps Gold Bell Seal for workplace mental health and approves 2026 benefits package, noting $844 monthly county contribution

Williamson County announced June 24 that it has again earned the 2025 Gold Bell Seal for workplace mental health from Mental Health America, and the commissioners court voted 5‑0 to approve 2026 benefit committee recommendations that include modest plan changes and an $844 monthly county contribution per covered employee.

Shelley Lowry, director of benefits, said the Bell Seal recognizes employers that meet standards across workplace culture, benefits, compliance and wellness programs. "Gaining status as a Bell Seal certified organization demonstrates Williamson County's ongoing commitment to employee mental health and well‑being," Lowry said.

Lowry and Angela Collins, wellness coordinator, described ongoing wellness initiatives: on‑site Harbor Health biometric screenings (walk‑ups accepted), a proposed county parks pass program tied to employee engagement, increased massage reimbursement (proposed $40 to $60), the new UnitedHealthcare OnePass Select gym/virtual fitness benefit (base level at no cost to enrolled employees) and continued maternity support through Maven. Benefits staff said participation rates are a priority and warned that new optional benefits could be rescinded if not used.

David Gibson of Holmes Murphy presented actuarial background on the 2026 plan assumptions. He said medical claims trended approximately 16.3 percent on a rolling‑12 basis; pharmacy gross trends were about 17 percent before rebates. Gibson noted the county receives about $2,000,000 in pharmacy rebates annually that offset net pharmacy costs. The only specific plan design change cited was a $100 increase in the required HSA plan deductible to keep the plan HSA‑qualified under IRS rules.

Commissioners moved to approve the benefit committee's recommendations and one commissioner amended the motion to note the county contribution level. Commissioner Long moved approval of the recommendations; the amended motion calling out an $844 county contribution per employee per month was seconded and the court approved the recommendations 5‑0.

Lowry said staff will return with communications and that many wellness resources are available year‑round in the employee benefits portal; she urged employees to complete wellness actions early and noted the plan is self‑funded. The court also thanked benefits staff and committee members for their work.

Votes at a glance: item 39 — motion to approve 2026 benefit committee recommendations, amended to note $844 county contribution per covered employee per month; outcome: approved 5‑0.