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STEUBENVILLE -- Jefferson County employees will be paying more for their health coverage in the new year--and they'll no longer be able to choose between plans.
Commissioners were told the change was necessary "to keep the county's health insurance plan and (its) self-insurance fund balance at a stable and sufficient level."
"Overall insurance costs have increased significantly over the past few years," representatives of their health insurance committee reported. "In the past the county's self-insurance fund balance has been sufficient to cover these increased costs without making significant changes to the county's health insurance plan. That is no longer the case. An increased number of claims as well as a significant increase in medical costs have significantly reduced the county's self-insurance plan to ensure the financial stability of the county health insurance plan and the self-insurance fund balance."
Beginning Feb. 1, employees will have only one plan option -- UnitedHealthcare, administered by United Medical Resources. Single coverage will be $256 per month with a $1,500 deductible, and $344 a month with a $3,000 deductible for family coverage. Out-of-pocket costs are capped at $6,000 per individual and $12,000 per family.
"We believe that these changes will help keep the county's health insurance plan and the self-insurance fund balance at a stable and sufficient level to meet future claims," they said.
"The Jefferson County Health Insurance Committee met several times to discuss potential and, we believe, necessary changes to the county's insurance plan. These recommended changes were determined after a number of meetings and discussions within the committee as well as with representatives from the Jefferson Health Plan. In addition, several meetings were held with potential insurance carriers and third-party administrators to determine the best option for the county."
Commissioners also reached a temporary water rate agreement with the village of Wintersville.
Under the agreement, the county will pay $5.50 per 1,000 gallons of water - a $1.50 per gallon increase. The new rates will be in effect for 18 months and then be re-evaluated.
Water Superintendent Jonathan Sgalla said he'd like to have a three-year contract.
The Airport Authority told commissioners that in light of their "fiscal challenges," they are committing to refund 50 percent of their county funding in 2027.
"This coming fiscal year, as well as in several past years, we maintained our budget request at roughly $100,000," Airpark Board President Brandon Reese said. "For the most recent year, $25,000 of approved budget funding was returned in support of the county. For the coming year, we seek to return $50,000, or 50 percent of our budget funds, in support of the county."
Reese said the airport "is the beneficiary of unprecedented good fortunate in mineral development that is encumbered by FAA commitment, so reducing airport general fund draw appears expedient and proper in recognition to all the support received by the county through the years."
Commissioners also:
*Signed off on accessibility alterations for Veterans Services its director said were necessary to address "longstanding difficulty for veterans who use wheelchairs." The changes include will provide "wider, more accessible passage" into and through the office.
*Will seek sealed bids for roughly 7,600 surplus water meters removed during the district's meter replacement project. The meters, deemed surplus property, are no longer needed for district operations.
*Agreed to advertise for bids for a courthouse cleaning service.