WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS RENEW JAIL MEDICAL CONTRACT, APPROVE HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS

  

Washington County Commissioners agreed today (Tuesday) to renew the county’s contract for medical services at the county jail.

The renewal of the contract with MedTrust, also known as MedHealth, includes a 3 percent increase in cost from last year.  The county’s annual price for the contract is now $315,852, or $26,321 per month.

The county first transitioned to MedTrust for jail medical services last year after formerly working with CorrHealth.  Dianna Liles, health services administrator at the jail, and Jail Administrator Clifton Bellard both said the county’s work with MedTrust thus far has been positive.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the specifics of medical oversight did not change in the contract, only the dates and the dollar totals. 

Also at today’s meeting, commissioners approved the county’s health insurance contribution amounts and dental, vision and ancillary coverages for the October 1^st renewal for the 2025-26 plan year.  Human Resources Generalist Amber Skalka said the total premium is increasing by 9.2 percent, but the employees’ contribution will remain the same. 

Additionally, the court authorized the purchase of a capital project tracking module through ClearGov, the county’s budgeting software.  County Auditor Shawna Hollis said the module will allow the public to see the county’s various capital projects in place and provides better opportunities for collaboration between county departments. 

The annual cost is $7,920, and Hollis said her office can cover this year’s amount.  She added that by purchasing early instead of waiting for the next budget, the county is able to avoid paying a $5,400 setup fee. 

In other business, the court:

• Heard a presentation from the Washington County Historical Commission.
• Authorized the hiring of a county court at law coordinator approximately six months in advance of the current employee’s anticipated departure in order to allow sufficient time for training, transition and continuity of operations.
• Approved a budget amendment from salary contingency to the county court at law coordinator.