County Commission to discuss health insurance costs

The Putnam County Commission Monday will consider approval of the renewal of their employee health, dental and vision insurance coverage with Blue Cross with a 2% increase in the cost of "just the health insurance."

"We have been working with Blue Cross on our renewal (and) have negotiated them down to just a 2% increase on the health part," County Mayor Randy Porter said. "This is a small increase that can be absorbed in the current budget. This would be paying for the county and the employee's share of the increase."

If the recommendation is approved, the employees would see no increase in the premiums they have to pay.

Also Monday, commissioners will consider a budget amendment reflecting a slight pay increase for the General Sessions Court judges. Court Administrator Greg Bowman said the amendment would move $3,700 from the "Other Contracted Services" line item to the line item for "Judges" to "correct the COLA calculation error by the state regarding judges' salaries." COLA is an acronym for cost of living adjustment.

According to a letter from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the 4% COLA judges received in 2023 should have been 5%, and the 2% COLA effective July 1, 2024 should be 4% instead.

In other action, the commission will:

Consider accepting a banking bid from First Freedom Bank.

Consider budget amendments for the County General, Parks and Recreation, General Purpose School and Road Department funds.

Consider approval of the transfer of 2018 Chevy Silverado from the Solid Waste Department to the Parks and Recreation Department.

Consider setting the speed limit on Maddle Road at 25 mph.

Consider the reappointment of Sullivan Smith as Medical Examiner for a two-year term.

Consider appointing Arlene Bush (South), Gary Bush (North), Ronnie Lafever (West) and Brian Eads (East) to the County Board of Equalization.

Recognize the reappointment of David Bush to the Double Springs Utility District Board.

Hear from Sam Tays with the Soil Conservation District.

The commission meeting begins immediately following the meetings of the county's standing committees at 5:30 p.m. on the top floor of the courthouse.