The Cherokee County Commission has renewed its health insurance coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and will pick up the cost of a 28 percent increase for employees..

In a previous meeting, County Administrator Tim Burgess asked the commission to consider picking up half of the cost of the increase, which would be approximately $14,000 per year. The commission, in a more recent meeting, agreed to pay the entire amount for a year at an additional cost of around $28,000.

“Our single rate currently is $295 and our new rate, $372.94,” said Burgess. “That is a difference of $77.94. According to our policies, the county pays for single coverage. Family coverage is currently $629, the new rate, $791.82. That is a difference of $162.82 but the amount that will decrease an employee’s pay would be $84.88. The commission picks up the single portion and the employee picks up the family portion. So what I need from you today, number one, do you want to renew with Blue Cross and Number Two, I asked you to commit toward the premium increase because of the 28.13 unexpected increase. I would ask the commission to provide some help for the employee.”

The commission approved renewing the insurance premium with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

Initially, Commissioner Lori Owens made the motion for the county to commit half of the cost of the increase. After further discussion and assurance from Burgess that the county is in a position to afford it, she amended her motion to include the entire amount.

“I’m in favor of helping our employees because this is a really large, percentage-wise increase,” said Commissioner Kay Chumbler. “It’s more than most of us see in our medical premiums each year. It’s an expensive cost to our employees and I think we owe it to them to help them with it this year. Hopefully we can revisit this next year and our rate will be better.”

“We certainly applaud the commission,” said Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Kirk Day. “Our employees are our greatest asset. They certainly make things happen for the county so I think this is a good way to repay some of their dedication.”

The commission met with Fred Major, with Morgan-Keegan, to give final approval on a bond issue to pay for construction of the administration building and also renovation to the Cherokee County Detention Center facility. In a previous meeting, the commission gave Chairman Day to sign the warrant purchase agreement.

Major said he was able to secure an interest rate of 4.16 percent. The county will make annual payments of approximately $155,000 per year over the next 20-year period.

“To lock in a rate of just over 4 percent for 20 years, you haven’t done too bad,” said Major.

The commission also met with a water department employee concerning County Road 30 in the Alexis Community and gave permission to break the road to place a water line underneath the road.

“The road is scheduled to be paved this year, according to Commissioner St. Clair and we were wanting to go ahead and break the road and put a casing in where we can put a water line under the road prior to the paving of County Road 30 so it wouldn’t disturb the road,” he said.

He added that the road will be repaired back to specs once the water line is installed.

Commissioner Elbert St. Clair recommended approving breaking of the road for this installation. The commission approved.

In other business, the commission:

-met with Cherokee County Sheriff Larry Wilson and agreed to allow Wilson to purchase a new vehicle for the sheriff’s department to replace one lost in a recent wreck. Wilson presented two options for the commission’s consideration, including purchase of a 2003 used vehicle for $10,000 or a new vehicle for around $19,000. Following some discussion, the commission approved purchase of the new vehicle.

-met with Jim Garmon about closing a portion of Cherokee County Road 83. A public hearing is required before the commission gives final approval.

-agreed to pay mileage expense for members of the Cherokee County Parks and Recreation Board who frequently travel back and forth to Cherokee Rock Village, Cornwall Furnace and other local popular tourist attractions.

-approved an excess land redemption sale to Robert and Brenda Jones for $538.05