21% increase County employees will keep same health insurance [The Wayne County Outlook, Monticello, Ky.]

June 18--County employees will keep the same health insurance coverage for the next year, but it will cost county government significantly more than a year ago. Wayne County Fiscal Court approved the health insurance renewal plan during a meeting held on Thursday, June 13, despite the 21 percent increase in the premium.

Initially, the health insurance company indicated that the increase could be as much as 30 percent because of several large claims. But the final offer was at a 21 percent increase, which translates into approximately $116,000 more than the plan cost for the past year.

The jump in the cost of health insurance prompted quite a bit of discussion among magistrates at the meeting. Several voiced concern about the county being able to sustain this type of coverage for its employees.

"We want to provide good health insurance, but we have to be able to afford it," said Wayne County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin.

Rankin noted that this plan has no significant change in benefits for employees. Dental and vision costs will remain unchanged.

In other action, the court:

--Approved the second reading of the fiscal year 2014 budget which totals $9.2 million.

--Approved annual bids for items like blacktop, coal mix, concrete, propane, diesel and contracted services.

--Approved an ordinance amending the current fiscal year's budget.

--Approved the sheriff's tax settlement.

<p>--Approved contracts with Clinton County and McCreary County to house inmates.

--Discussed the condition of three swinging bridge in the area of the Little South Fork. District Three Magistrate Dale Vaughn noted that these bridges play an important role in the community and they need to be repaired.

--Heard a monthly report from Jailer Ray Upchurch who noted that the current population at the Detention Center is 126 which includes 35 county inmates and 89 state inmates. Upchurch said that the county has billed a total of $87,514.72 for housing inmates.

--Heard a report from Solid Waste Coordinator Tim Bell who noted that white goods have been collected at 74 households in the last month bringing the total this year to 346. Recycling sales totaled

$5,854.33 last month.

--Heard a report from Wayne County EMS Director Bubby Corder who noted that the ambulance service answered a total of 275 calls in May.

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