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Commissioners weigh paying more of employees’ premiums as health-plan costs rise
Summary
Officials reviewed a proposal to increase county contributions to employee health insurance to offset a 7.7% average premium rise this year and a projected 5% next January; commissioners debated coverage equity and whether non-participating employees would be left out.
County staff presented figures showing an average 7.7% premium increase for the current year and an additional 5% projected for next January; staff said the county currently contributes up to $650 per month toward some plans. The finance presentation estimated the total cost to the county to meet these increases would be about $231,000 across payroll funds. "We pay up to $650 for employees," staff said when explaining the county share.
Commissioners debated the equity of increasing county contributions, noting roughly 260 of about 365 employees participate in county insurance; those not enrolled would not directly benefit. One commissioner suggested leaving the item on the table for further study and asked staff to provide comparative data and cost scenarios, including a 'flat' budget comparison and 2%–3% salary scenarios for the next meeting.
