Commissioners engaged in a detailed discussion Nov. 17 over proposed changes to retiree health insurance in Ordinance 2025-31, which would have rescinded earlier retiree-insurance ordinances, shifted the county/employee premium split from 70/30 to 50/50, and removed spouse/dependent coverage effective Jan. 1.

Staff noted the county currently pays 70% of retiree premiums while the employee pays 30% and reported roughly 30 retirees on the plan. The county's review of neighboring counties suggested many peers do not pay retiree benefits; staff cited Indiana Code §5-14-1.5 (which requires offering coverage but does not require employer payment). The proposed draft would change the split and remove spouse and dependent coverage.

Commissioners expressed differing views: some preferred a phased approach, others wanted clearer language and timeline. When the motion to introduce the ordinance was called, it failed for lack of a second and "died." Commissioners instructed staff to prepare clarified ordinance language reflecting the previously discussed elements (including removing spouse coverage and confirming the 70/30 county/employee contribution where appropriate) for consideration at the next meeting.