Karnes County weighs employee health insurance increase

KARNES CITY – Rising employee health insurance costs dominated much of the discussion during the Tuesday, June 9, meeting of the Karnes County Commissioners Court.

Officials reviewed proposed premium increases for the county's health plan but postponed action to allow additional review and employee input.

County Judge Wade J. Hedtke said he recently met with representatives from TAC Health and Employee Benefits Pool to discuss the county's renewal options for fiscal year 2027.

"There is an increase to our health insurance. It's concerning to me," Hedtke told commissioners.

The proposed renewal would increase the monthly premium for employee-only coverage from about $781 to nearly $864. Employee-and-spouse coverage would increase from about $1,697 to $1,877 per month, while family coverage would rise from approximately $2,098 to $2,395 per month.

Hedtke said county officials are exploring options to reduce costs, including a pilot program designed to encourage employees to enroll dependent children in the county plan.

"I want to stick with TAC for another year, give them the opportunity," Hedtke said. "I think all insurance companies are going to tell you one thing, promise you, promise you, promise you, and never really deliver on that promise."

The county currently pays the full cost of employee coverage but does not pay premiums for spouses or dependent children. In addition, Karnes County contributes to employees' deductibles through a health reimbursement arrangement.

"We are working to do the best that we can for our employees," Hedtke said.

Rather than taking immediate action, the court opted to continue discussions later this month after employees have an opportunity to review the proposed changes and ask questions.

County awarded $350,000 EMS grant

The court also formally accepted a $350,000 state grant that will help fund a new ambulance for Karnes County EMS.

The grant comes through the Texas Rural and Local First Responder Grant Program and was awarded by the Texas Comptroller's Office.

The county plans to apply the funding toward the purchase of a new ambulance that is expected to cost approximately $368,000.

Court delays action on building projects

Commissioners postponed action on final construction documents for both the Precinct 4 Service Center and the Precinct 4 EMS satellite building.

Precinct 2 Commissioner David Wiatrek told the court he was concerned about approving documents before corrected versions had been distributed to commissioners.

Other commissioners agreed additional review was warranted. The items were tabled until corrected documents can be distributed and reviewed.

Sheriff's office agreement renewed

The court approved a memorandum of understanding with Kenedy ISD that will continue providing two full-time school resource officers for the district.

Commissioners also approved a request for qualifications for forensic engineering services related to ongoing litigation involving a roof installed on county offices located on the courthouse square.

The county is seeking a forensic report as part of its lawsuit against the roofing contractor.