Budget / Finance Committee Agenda
 
July 27, 2009; 2:00 p.m.

 
               
 

ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR DISCUSSION:
1.   Discussion of FY 2009/2010 active employee and retiree benefits.

Dean Smith, Union Steward for Public Works, expressed his concerns regarding the increase in premiums for the current plan.
David Seymour, President, Clay County Fire Rescue Union, expressed his concerns with the comparison done with other counties and the increase in premiums.
Commissioner Cummings outlined the two new proposed plans being offered to employees, the changes in the current plan for active employees, and the proposed changes to health care for retirees.
Frank Gerwe, 1552 Silver Bell Lane, expressed his thanks from the taxpayers. He quoted premium prices he had researched from other companies and noted that there is no initiative in the plans to make people healthier to reduce health care costs. He noted that there is a company named Safeway that has been able to make people healthier through a rewards program.
Jimmy Kelly explained the HSA program and compared it to the county’s current plan in out of pocket expenses.
Glenn Lassiter, 5937 John Wilkinson Road, spoke regarding the net savings to the county .
Clerk of Court James Jett, inquired about how the HSA plan works. Committee Chairman Cummings explained.
County Manager Fritz Behring advised that the reason the county is having to make these changes is due to the financial situation the county finds itself in this year because of decreased revenues, sales are down, construction is down and job losses. The county has to curtail spending now or more cuts will have to be made.
The Committee recommended plans A, B. and C with a $25 premium for single and $225 premium for family for the HSA plan; the PPO Blue Options Network 1550 plan – $50 per month for single coverage and $350 per month for family coverage; Blue Choice – Single $114.27 and Family $621.58. Retirees - $150 subsidy for Medicare eligible; $250 for single non-Medicare eligible and $350 for family non-Medicare eligible
  
 
2.   Review of benefit plans submitted by proposed employee benefits consultant Wingate Insurance Group.

Mr. Lon Bryan of LB Bryan and Company spoke about the possibility of keeping the group life and disability portions of the account as they are the current broker for the county and has been for years.
Mr. Owen Wingate, Wingate Insurance Group reviewed quotes received for life insurance, dental insurance, voluntary life insurance, vision insurance, voluntary long term disability, and short term disability.
Commission Auditor Mike price addressed the committee and offered his opinion, comparing what is being paid now as to what Wingate Insurance Group is offering.
The Committee Referred this item to full board for discussion.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

________________________________ ________________________________ Committee Chairman                            Recording Secretary
Travis Cummings                                   Diane Walker