Fentress County commissioners have approved covering more costs on individual health insurance policies for full-time county employees.
The county will now cover an estimated $574, compared to the current estimated $405. Commissioner Larry Cooper said the commission has considered the idea several times during budget meetings, but the idea has fallen through the cracks. Cooper said surrounding counties are doing similar things to retain employees.
“I think this is something that we definitely got to look at because there are some things coming up in the near future that could potential, take more employees from Fentress County Government, which would put us in another hard spot,” Cooper said.
Cooper said the county would take on an additional estimated $100,000 this year with the approval. However, Cooper said that number could change as insurance enrollment is coming up in October.
“That will change some,” Cooper said. “We pick up three or four more, or we may lose five. We will know in the middle of next month.”
Commissioner Kim Davidson said the county has an estimated 179 full-time employees, but only 76 of them have an insurance policy through the county. Cooper said the county does not provide any other benefits in place of health insurance should an employee not use it. Cooper said the county needs to encourage employees to have some type of health insurance.
“It’s too costly,” Cooper said. “They get into a spot that, you know, they don’t need to be in. But other counties do not, if you don’t participate in it, then this is not an extra benefit for you. You’ve got to participate in the medical insurance to get this benefit.”
The commission decided the change would take effect after enrollment is completed.
In other business, the commission accepted a resignation from Jamestown Mayor Harvey Stowers for his participation on the 911 Board of Directors. Harvey will be replaced on the board by Steve McCoy.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was extended for the county, Fentress County Board of Education, and Fentress County Sheriff’s Office. The MOU is regarding roles and responsibilities for School Resource Officers.
