During a recent meeting, County Administrator Tim Burgess explained that the county’s health insurance premiums have increased 28.13 percent over last year because of rising health care costs within the local system. Currently, the county is paying $295 per month each for single employees and under the new rate, that figure would rise to $372.94 per month.
“The county takes the coverage for the single individual but family coverage is picked up by the employee,” said Burgess. “The difference the individual will be picking up is a reduction of $84.88 a month out of his/her paycheck. I know that is outrageous and we have gone back and forth with the insurance company on several occasions, but they will not reduce the premium. The only good thing we can see out of this is if our health costs go down, that will reduce our premiums. We had them to check into another plan which is a significant reduction in cost, but a reduction in coverage as well. And you also have to use a preferred doctor.”
Burgess asked the commission to consider continuing the current policy and picking up the difference in cost which would mean an additional $2,830 for the month of March. The commission could make its final decision on the insurance renewal at the next commission meeting.
Burgess, on behalf of county employees, also asked the commission to consider picking up half of the cost of the rate increase, noting that $84 per month is a significant amount taken from someone’s paycheck, particularly for someone who is the soul breadwinner of the family. This would men an additional $14,280 to what the county is now paying for individual coverage.
“$21 per pay period is a bit more reasonable than jumping up and letting them pay $84 more per month,” said Burgess.
Burgess said he felt the county is currently receiving good coverage under Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Commissioner Kay Chumbler said the county owes it to its employees to negotiate the best possible insurance plan and give the matter careful consideration.
“From my experience in dealing with insurance, I think it would give the commission time, hopefully, to have a better year (in 2005,)” said Kay Chumbler.
The commission voted to pay the $2,830 difference while pondering its decision on the insurance.
Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Kirk Day requested an additional employee for the probate judge’s office to replace Gwen Formby who has announced her retirement, sometime in May. In the meantime, Day would like to bring someone in to begin training for the position.
“Gwen Formby has a number of sick days she wishes to cash in,” said Day. “Her departure is going to be coming up soon. Keeping in compliance with the personnel policy, you can’t have an employee overlapping for the same position, but we definitely need a training period. Working within the confines of the personnel policy, the best way to do that is to request an additional employee so that they can both be there at the same time.”
According to Day, the position should be posted for three weeks and there are interviews to consider as well.
“This will create a new position but it is the only way to get someone in there for training,” said Day. “Debbie Bankson, chief clerk, has told me it is absolutely necessary. Given the volume of traffic we have coming into the probate office, for someone else to take time to do that after the fact, you are greatly reducing your ability to serve the public.”
The commission voted 2-2 on this issue, with Commissioners Lori Owens and Kay Chumbler approving and Commissioners Earl Westbrook and Elbert St. Clair opposing. After consulting with County Attorney Chad Hopper, Day recused himself from the issue, so the motion died because of the tie.
The commission met with Frank McPhillips, concerning the final terms and paper work for the bond issue tentatively approved by the commission in a previous meeting to complete the administration building and also pay for Cherokee County Detention Center renovations
According to the terms, McPhillips said, interest rates will never exceed 4.75 percent and Morgan-Keegan will serve as underwriters of the warrant purchase agreement.
The commission, upon McPhillips’ recommendation, approved allowing Commission Chairman Kirk Day to approve final pricing and signing the warrant purchase agreement.
The commission also met with Wayne Cochran, Cherokee County solid waste supervisor, and signed a proclamation recognizing April 18-23 as Cherokee County Cleanup Week, which is held each year in conjunction with the Alabama PALS (People Against A Littered State) Campaign. During the week, Three Corners Landfill will offer free tipping services in which residents will be allowed to deposit anything into the landfill that would normally be placed in garbage trucks. Cherokee County has participated in the cleanup for the past 14 years, Cochran said.
Hours for the Three Corners Landfill are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon
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