Van Buren supervisors approve FY2027 health-insurance contribution schedule after engineer offers easier implementation

Van Buren County supervisors voted 2-0 on March 2 to accept a revised plan for the county's contribution to FY2027 employee health insurance premiums, approving the second of four options presented by County Engineer Ryne Thornburg.

Thornburg told the Board there were logistical issues with implementing the contribution approach the Board had approved on Feb. 23, and he presented four alternatives intended to accomplish the Board's goals while reducing administrative complexity. On a motion by Supervisor Meek, seconded by Vice-Chairman Dale House, the Board accepted the second option.

Under the approved schedule, county contributions for employees who did not participate in the 2025 wellness program are: Single $667.00 and Family $1,214.00. For employees who did participate in the 2025 wellness program the county contributions are: Single $699.00 and Family $1,285.00. The approved employee monthly contributions are: Plan 1 (did not participate) Single $105.71, Family $495.47; Plan 1 (participated) Single $73.71, Family $424.47; Plan 2 (did not participate) Single $47.63, Family $363.75; Plan 2 (participated) Single $15.63, Family $292.75.

Ryne Thornburg said there were logistical issues with the earlier implementation plan and that the second option would better accomplish the Board's desire while being simpler to administer. The motion passed with Ayes: 2.

The Board did not record further action on benefits at the March 2 meeting.