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Deputy Auditor Phyllis Hofer reported that the County's health insurance consultant projected a 15 percent reduction in the claims filed by the employees and dependants compared to the previous year. The fixed costs increased approximately 9 percent equating to a net reduction of nearly 6 percent for the current year.
The County provides insurance to the employees and dependants under a self-funded program, which utilizes revenue from the County and employees' partial payment for family coverage. A reduction in claims made relates directly to a maintained health insurance fund balance.
In making the motion, the Board agreed with the Health Insurance Committee's recommendation to utilize any of the next year's projected premium receipts exceeding the claims made to build the reserve fund balance. The Board's motion will also maintain the wellness program as part of the health insurance coverage. Hofer stated that nearly all of the County employees and dependants participated in the program last year. The program involves annual physical examinations and health risk assessments and successful completion reduces the employee's premium.
The Board approved a resolution accepting a minor plat for Starvation Corner Subdivision submitted by Dwight and Junella Duwa of Riverside. The two-lot subdivision consists of approximately 10 acres located near the Riverside Road and Spruce Avenue intersection.
A resolution for adjustment of the 2009-10 appropriations for Washington County General Assistance was approved by the Board. The resolution will allow $4688 in special emergency funds received to be utilized for budgeted programs and reduce the amount originally budgeted from the General Fund.
The Board approved several personnel change requests submitted by the Sheriff's Department. Jesse Bell and Shiela Clubb move from part-time to full-time positions as jailers. Three others received a $.50 per hour stipend wage increase. Toni Hunter, Gina Greiner and Trent Forest received the increases as part of performance evaluation and acceptance of increased duties and responsibilities. The jail inmate count has averaged above the anticipated volume and Sheriff Dunbar is increasing the staffing according to budget projections.
The liquor license renewal application for the Riverside VFW Post 6414 was approved by the Board. Sheriff Dunbar noted several prior compliance violation issues from the establishment, which had been satisfied by meeting the State requirements.
The board approved the County Weed Commissioner's annual report submitted by Jim Redlinger. The report will be forwarded to the State to fulfill the State's requirements.
The board received a petition signed by over 1200 County residents urging the Board to vote against the implementation of County Zoning. The petition submitted by Mary Leedy and James Graham of Kalona was introduced as being signed by a broad cross-section of residents. A cover letter stated that the petitioners are generally opposed to regulation dictating the usage of private property.
As part of a review and consideration process of the Zoning Ordinance draft, the Board set a work session to begin after the regular board meeting on Tuesday November 10 at approximately 11:00 AM. The intent of the initial meetings is to help the board, County Staff and the public to understand the proposed Ordinance. Questions will be gathered and the board anticipated requesting the planning consultant Gary Lozano attend one of the future meetings.
The next board meeting will be held on Monday November 2, 2009 starting at 10:00 or 10:30 AM due to the elections conducted on the regular Tuesday date.
