Craig Howell SEEKING QUOTES – Brooke County commissioners, from left, Tom Diserio, Christina White, and Stacey Wise, agreed Thursday to seek new proposals for health, dental and vision insurance plans for county employees.

WELLSBURG — Brooke County commissioners have agreed to seek proposals for its employee insurance plans.

Commissioners, during their meeting Thursday, unanimously agreed to open the insurance programs to other providers in order to obtain quotes for health, dental and vision coverage for county employees.

The decision follows comments made during last week’s commission meeting by some county employees with concerns over nonpayment of claims and other issues involving the county’s current provider.

Last June, commissioners approved a plan with Fusion Healthcare at a cost of $1,379,875.36, according to meeting minutes, for health, dental and vision coverage.

The plan included no cost to full-time employees, with deductibles paid through a GAP insurance plan, the minutes note.

“I will say it’s been a less than pleasant experience, in my opinion,” said Commissioner Stacey Wise.

In response to a question from attendees at Thursday’s meeting, Wise said she was not certain the county would use its usual process for obtaining quotes, such as the FormFire data collection service, which could result in higher deductibles and other issues, but the county will consider all options.

Some newer technology may provide an opportunity to obtain information faster, she said.

“There is AI that is doing the data collection,” Wise noted.

In other business, commissioners acknowledged a letter from Vicki Gallagher resigning from the Brooke County Historical Museum and Culture Center, effective June 30.

Gallagher has served on the board for 27 years and has been its president since 2021 following the death of Ruby Greathouse.

“It’s hard to find someone to do this for so many years,” Commissioner Christina White said, expressing appreciation for Gallagher’s service.

The commission will begin accepting letters of interest for the board seat, with those interested asked to submit them to the County Clerk’s Office.

Commissioners also reopened the estate of Ina G. Walker regarding Social Security payments and closed the estate of Wilma Rae Stewart as a large estate while reopening it to proceed as a small estate.

County Clerk Kim Barbetta announced the canvass of Tuesday’s primary election will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 18 on the first floor of the county courthouse.