The Commissioners Court discussed during its regular meeting on Tuesday the county providing health insurance for future employees when they retire. County Judge Brint Carlton opened the discussion by saying the county is spending close to $5 million annually providing health insurance for employees, a portion of coverage for the employees’ dependents, and for retirees.
The judge met with Human Resource Director Lori Ardoin and representatives from the Texas Association of Counties about future insurance rates. Carlton indicated that all the coverage they looked at only showed the cost of health insurance in the next year will be substantial and the rates can only go higher and higher.
Carlton then mentioned the current trend is most counties and cities do not provide health insurance for their retirees. Commissioners made several suggestions including setting standard amounts of coverage for retirees or possibly exchanging an increase in pay for employees to a cut in their benefits like retiree insurance.
All the members were agreed more discussion and information was necessary before deciding to eliminate it for future employees. A workshop probably will be called to discuss the matter in detail in about two weeks. Judge Carlton emphasized that any change to be discussed would not affect current employees or retirees and their health insurance from the county.
Elections Administrator Tina Barrow was approved to purchase a new copier printer for her office by the Commissioners. The cost will be $2,000. Barrow updated the Commissioners Court that the county has elections her office will handle in June and August with the possibility of another election if and when a petition calling for the creation of a hospital district is certified by Barrow. The Court approved Barrow hiring a temporary part-time position to assist with the upcoming elections.
Commissioners gave approval to the plat for the second phase of the Twin Lakes subdivision in Orangefield. Developer Stephen Gault informed the Court that the first phase is almost fully occupied and there are others waiting for the 22 new units to open.
Members of the Texas Agri-Life Office reviewed programs completed in the last year. The Ag-agents also gave a preview of upcoming activities sponsored by their office.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Commissioners Court presented a proclamation and thanks to a large group of citizens attending the meeting who participate in the Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA program. A special ceremony remembering the children who died because of abuse in the last year will be held on the Orange County Courthouse lawn on Monday, April 10, at 7:00 PM.
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The Commissioners Court met in a closed executive session Tuesday morning to discuss the pending negotiations with the Sheriff’s Office Employees Union. Commissioner John Gothia is serving his first year on the Court and requested an update on the collective bargaining talks.
The closed session was much appreciated by both Gothia and Johnny Trahan who are new to the Commissioners Court this year. Gothia said he is really happy that both sides are eager to get together and talk about reaching a new collective bargaining agreement.
The county representatives, which include County Judge Brint Carlton and Commissioner Jody Crump will meet with representatives from the Sheriff’s Office Employees Union on April 12 and April 13 to talk about a new contract. The current collective bargaining agreement expired in 2013.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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