Commissioners spent a substantive portion of the meeting discussing workers' compensation premium estimates and comparative bids. Insurance representatives reported the payroll base they used to quote coverage (an estimated $4,008,314) and reviewed the county's audited premium history, noting an audited premium total of $64,219 for the 2024 calendar year after audit adjustments.

Commissioners and staff questioned whether quoted figures were 'apples to apples,' pointing to differences in benefit design and which costs are counted against county liability (for example, differences in copay continuation that can affect the county's reported maximum liability under different plans). One vendor representative warned commissioners about an assessment clause and a 60-day cancellation term in the contract language that can limit the county's ability to exit quickly once renewal paperwork is received.

The board asked the insurance agent (Paul) to prepare a bid using a common payroll base (numbers to be sent to the clerk) so commissioners could directly compare proposals at the next meeting. Clerk staff agreed to circulate payroll classification breakdowns and final figures for 2024 as requested.

Commissioners asked staff to provide identical payroll figures to each bidder so that quotes reflect the same wage base. The county did not take a final purchase action on workers' compensation coverage at this meeting; instead the board requested updated bids and payroll documentation for the next scheduled meeting.