Scott Day with Day Insurance appeared via Zoom for continued discussion with Greenwood County Commissioners in regards to county health insurance. Day shared that he had sent projections to the county and noted that they did receive a relief offer from Blue Cross and Blue Shield because commissioners had previously approved to proceed with their dental plan. This had resulted in a 3% reduction in figures formerly provided to commissioners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield would thus be a 43.9% increase this year and United Health Care would be a 25.4% increase from last year’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield rate.
Deputy Clerk/Payroll Clerk Deann McCaffree noted that from what she heard from employees, changing insurance companies would cause conflict for some with prescriptions and providers.
Ambulance/EMS Director Brian Mongeau noted that one employee for his department would experience issues. He shared that they would have to switch insurance and specialists and some medications would not be covered under the alternate insurance should the county elect to switch.
Sheriff Heath Samuels noted that in regards to his staff, some employees would have specialists that wouldn’t be accepted, but all primary doctors appear to be okay under the alternate company. He noted that one employee is taking a medication that would not be covered and this would result in hefty cost, if an alternate option is not available through United Health Care. As options and percentages were weighed, Commissioner Ben Fox noted that it was an effort to provide good benefits to employees. After considering the percentage of county contribution options and the potential impact on employees, commissioners approved continuing with Blue Cross and Blue Shield with Greenwood County to contribute 82.5% and intentions to put $200,000 in the claims account.
Road and Bridge Superintendent John Schouten shared that bids for two projects had been received. The requested quote for a cattle guard came back at $3,200 for a 10 ft by 20 ft guard. Commissioners approved to proceed with the bid. Schouten reported that a bid for replacement of the fence for the Tadpole Bridge project site came in at $5,372. He noted that another bid was received, however it was significantly higher than this figure at approximately $16,000. Commissioners approved to accept the bid at just over $5,000.
Bids are being sought for the purchase of tin horns. Schouten noted that he is still waiting for the last one to be submitted. Commissioner Mac Obourn provided a quote sheet from Gateway Pipe Inc. for commission consideration. Road and Bridge crew members will be touching up the approaches to Tadpole Creek bridge. Commissioner Roy Ballard discussed sites to keep in mind for future projects including a bridge north of Madison. When questions were posed, Schouten told commissioners that the Baker bridge is out for bids.
Greenwood County Emergency Management Director Levi Vinson reported to commissioners that FEMA requested more information on the bridge at U Road and 100th Street. It was requested that Road and Bridge contact contracted engineer Michael Maris and have him look at the bridge again to provide a recommendation.
Greenwood County Fire Chief Glen Collinge requested the purchase of a set of three headsets for the amount of $4,942. Commissioners approved the purchase. Tires for the amount of $400 per tire with delivery, for a total of $3,200 was approved.
Collinge reported that live fire training would be held this Sunday behind Memorial Hall.
Commissioners approved to proceed with the same year-end bonus as was received last year by employees: $100 full time and $50 for part-time.
Extension Agent Ben Sims provided an update to commissioners. Seven programs are coming up that he provided a list for to commissioners. Sims reported that 4-H saw good attendance for officer training. He reported that Brooke Gaines from the Madison area was part of the National 4-H All Star Meet Judging team, with the State of Kansas once again being named national champions. Sims shared that 6 kids from Greenwood County 4-H were in Louisville, Ky. participating in the national skillathon and quiz bowl contest. The annual Achievement Banquet will be held November 28 in Hamilton. Sims invited commissioners to attend.
The recent election was discussed. Commissioner Paul Hodge commented that some individuals had difficulties figuring out how to use the new voting. Legal Counsel Paul Dean noted poll workers in Madison really liked the new machines. It was noted that next voting season, individuals who struggled to figure out the technology should have a better idea how it works now that they have used the system.
Tina Kastning with the Salt Spring Township shared with commissioners that they would be holding their auditor meeting this Thursday. At that time, Kastning noted that the auditor will be presenting findings. She invited commissioners to attend.
Payables in the amount of $142,773.47 were approved.
Special payables in the amount of $157.03 was approved Payroll in the amount of $137,075.83 was approved.
Minutes for November 6 were approved as written.
The next meeting of the Greenwood County Commissioners will be held on Monday, November 20 at 9 a.m.
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