COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISCUSS GROUP MEDICAL INSURANCE RATES

  

Discussion of group medical insurance rates brought sharp disagreements to the County Commissioners meeting this (Tuesday) morning.  The discussions actually began last Friday during a budget workshop meeting concerning employee pay rates and insurance contributions.  County Judge John Brieden describes them as “intense heated discussions”.  The discussions center on the group medical deductible and the monthly employee contribution.  Brieden says that he is in favor of not raising those costs:

The commissioners had the option of raising the deductible on the plan from $600 to $680 to drop the rate increase from 4% to just over 1%.  Precinct 3 County Commissioner Kirk Hanath stated that he was in favor of raising the deductible and explained his reasoning:

The other commissioners stated that after much deliberation, they would also raise the deductible in order to reduce the cost.  Commissioners voted to approve the group medical insurance rates with the higher deductible and keep the employee contribution the same.  Brieden cast the only dissenting vote on the motion.

In other action, commissioners appointed John Snowden as the Local Rabies Control Authority for Washington County.  The county has an agreement with the city to provide this service, but the state is now requiring that the county actually appoint a person.  Commissioners also re-appointed Dr. William Loesch as the Local Health Authority for Washington County.  Judge Brieden pointed out that Loesch puts in many hours in this position for the small stipend he his paid by the county.

Commissioners also approved two interlocal agreements with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments.  The agreements are for 911 service and 911 database maintenance and are the same as the expiring agreements.  They also approved two subdivision re-plats.  A third re-plat in Brenham’s extra territorial jurisdiction was tabled until the county can clarify if it had been approved by the city.

The commissioners also reviewed monthly reports from various county agencies.  County Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke stated that the county so far has received $475 thousand dollars payments for repairs related to the flooding event in May of last year.  The county has applied for a total of $2.6 million in repairs, mostly to roadways.  Ruemke stated that invoices are sent to FEMA as the work is done, and that the process will continue for at least another year.