Commissioners approve insurance amendment for utility employees after public call for written reimbursement policy

Suwannee County commissioners approved an amendment to the county group insurance policy clarifying employer coverage for utility employees and correcting verbiage on employee counts and coverage details. The amendment is scheduled to be effective June 9.

A member of the public who identified himself as Hancock (address given) asked that the item be pulled for discussion and told the board that the county lacks a written reimbursement policy to require the utility authority to repay the county for insurance costs. Hancock said, "The written reimbursement policy, we don't have. It's nowhere in writing that they even have to pay us back," and urged the board to adopt a formal written process rather than rely on prior oral assurances. He also noted outstanding questions from prior meetings about employee counts and reimbursements.

County staff acknowledged prior questions and said some of the verbiage and counts needed correction; staff indicated the authority typically reimburses the county by invoice and that staff would work toward clearer written procedures. On a motion by Commissioner Hale, seconded by Commissioner Mobley, the board approved the insurance amendment 4–0 and asked staff to follow up on developing written reimbursement language.

The amendment affects the water utility's employee coverage and corrects policy language; the board recorded no vote absences.