What happened: Jordan Friesen of Gibson presented the 2027 health insurance renewal steps. The minutes say it is expected to have approximately a $248,000 increase to the county, and that deductible amounts will increase in the no-cost offered employee plans from $3,000/$6,000 to $4,500/$9,000. Controller/Administrator Miller was to work with County Legal Counsel to review the plans proposed, then present the options to the unions.
Why it matters: A $248,000 increase is a county budget cost, and a deductible jump from $3,000 to $4,500 (single) / $6,000 to $9,000 (family, as listed) is a household cost for employees in those plans. Clerk Jodi Fetting Rynearson, in extended public comment, addressed the potential increase in healthcare deductible that will impact county employees and could directly impact their household budget.
The same meeting approved three hires: Dakota Jaynes, full-time Dispatcher at $19.91/hr starting on or around Oct 19, 2026; Nicolas Georgiou, full-time Corrections Deputy at $21.96/hr starting on or around Oct 20, 2026; and Brad Spencer, part-time Recycling Material Handler at $17.34/hr starting Oct 19, 2026 — all pending / completed background, physical, and drug screens as stated in the minutes.
What happens next: Plans to be reviewed with legal counsel, then options presented to the unions. No final carrier decision is recorded in these minutes — do not read this as a signed contract.
Corrections: none yet.