08-13-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--August 13, 2001 2327 Commissioners discussed the increased cost of employee health insurance coverage. Deb Dahlsing, Blue Cross Blue Shield representative, was present and talked about the reasons for increased health care costs. She said the inflation rate nationally is about 12%, and this is due to the rising cost of prescription medications, higher plan utilization, and construction costs throughout the State as hospitals are remodeling or expanding. Ms. Dahlsing said Cass County has had a self-insured plan since 1988, and that has been a good strategy for the most part, except that claims have been high the last 4-5 years. She is projecting a 15.4% increase in the premium to be paid by Cass County Government and its employees for 2002. Mr. Wieland asked about considering other plans that would be less expensive, and Ms. Dahlsing said the $100 deductible plan that Cass County has is the most popular plan Blue Cross Blue Shield has to offer, other than HMO's, which are cost- prohibitive. About 85% of her other clients pay the cost of a single premium only, and the employees pay the balance for a family plan or a single with dependents plan, she said. As the supervisor of personnel, Bonnie Johnson said she believes the health insurance contract is very good, and it is very beneficial to the county in recruiting and retaining employees. She said some of the other plans in the community may have a higher employee contribution but may also include other health-care options that Cass County does not offer. Mr. Montplaisir suggested considering ways to control health care costs and discuss it later in the budget sessions. Ms. Dahlsing offered to come back to a future board meeting, if she is needed. Commission Bonnie Johnson reported that changes in the Commission budget include travel funds for one or two Commissioners to attend the National Association of Counties Convention next year in New Orleans and funds for a private security company at the new jail site. CoordinatodPersonnel Mrs. Johnson said changes in this budget are mainly due to the increased cost of doing business. The budget does include $400 for computer time for a subscription to Premise, which used to be in the State's Attorney's budget. Buildinqs and Grounds Mrs. Johnson said the cost of snow removal is a big question in this budget because it may no longer be available through the County Highway Department. The budget includes $65,000 to complete the air duct cleaning program and a new air filtration system at the Courthouse. An amount of $16,000 is included for replacing chairs used by jurors in two courtrooms. One additional maintenance employee is request, due to opening the new jail facility next year. One of the biggest unknown expenses for the new jail is the cost of electricity, which was estimated by Excel Energy at $205,000 for budget purposes. Mrs. Johnson proposed having the maintenance staffwear uniformed shirts. Mr. Wieland suggested requiring all staff in county buildings to wear a name badge and picture ID so they are easily identifiable. Valley Water Rescue Rob Bye, Dean Wiger and Peter Fendt were present representing Valley Water Rescue. Revenue sources include Cass and Clay Counties, the Cities of Fargo, West Fargo and Dilworth. It is hoped the City of Moorhead will participate financially next year as they did not budget for it in 2001, but hoped to find unappropriated dollars for this year.