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Woodbury County approves 20% increase to county contribution for employee self health-insurance fund
Summary
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to increase the county contribution to the employee self health‑insurance fund by 20% effective Dec. 1, 2025, after hearing that a prior FY25 transfer of $725,000 and projected shortfalls required action.
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to increase the county contribution to the employee self health‑insurance fund by 20% effective Dec. 1, 2025, to bolster reserves and reduce the risk of a large year‑end transfer. The motion, moved by Bittinger and seconded by Nelson, passed 4–0.
Board administration’s agenda materials said that in fiscal year 2025 the county transferred $725,000 from the general supplement fund into the self‑insurance fund to meet the minimum level required by Iowa Code and that current estimated shortfalls range from about $460,000 to more than $1,000,000. The county’s written recommendation (attributed to Ryan Erickson in the agenda) described the 20% increase as an approach to avoid a large lump‑sum payment if a deficit remains at fiscal year end.
During discussion a board member said the 20% would be an additional adjustment on top of a 6.5% increase already approved to take effect Jan. 1. A county staff member pressed for clarity on retiree impacts, noting that retirees and COBRA participants who pay the full premium had already experienced a roughly 6% increase and “now they'll have another 20% increase.” Board members and staff emphasized that retiree and COBRA rates will be set each year to the actuarially suggested rate provided by Wheelmark and that the county contribution could be adjusted higher or lower depending on future actuarial results.
A board member who defended the incremental approach said it would spread costs over the remainder of the year and potentially reduce the size of any year‑end shortfall, noting that recent revenue from federal inmates had strengthened reserves. The board recorded the motion and approved the change by unanimous vote.
The vote: motion by Bittinger, second by Nelson; outcome approved, 4–0. No amendments were offered at the meeting.
What happens next: the increase is to take effect Dec. 1, 2025; the board said it will reevaluate the fund status during the next budget process and in June if needed.
