HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1064 (2)Low Wealth Distribution Method for Educational Funding: The representatives
were asked for assistance in changing the formula for educational funding, e.g., lottery,
and any statewide bonds. (Change the formula by using number of students.)
Illegal Aliens & Impact of Unfunded Programs: Representative Howard said
many agencies could not ask a person about their "whereabouts" Howard mentioned
legislation she had sponsored that had "died" in an appropriations committee.
High Cost of Prisons: The county jail is holding prisoners belonging to the state.
It costs $70 a day to house an incarcerated individual, and the state only reimburses $40 a
day.
Schools: The commissioners shared concerns about the state supplanting
education funds for lottery funds.
Dr. Holliday said he thought bipartisan support could be found to encourage state
officials to fund only current programs, or to not fund any new programs proposed by the
Governor.
Loss of Sales Tax Refunds: The General Assembly members said legislation had
been drafted to correct this problem.
Monetary Reversions: Dr. Eason asked for assistance in altering the method used
for monetary reversions. Eason said he was working on his third reversion for this
budget year. He said that if the state had to have the reversions, the colleges should be
allowed to prepare them all at one time -- not spread them out through the entire year.
Salary Increases for College Staff Dr. Eason also asked the representatives to
look into salary increases for the college employees, similar to what had occurred for
other schools. He said "parity" was needed.
Representative Ray said that when legislation was drafted concerning the issues,
county officials would be notified. She said an effort would be made to recoup money
for the Cattle Expo and Children's Museum.
Human Resources
Medical Insurance Costs: Mark Browder with Mark III Brokerage, said the
county's health insurance claims continued to be high. He said five vendors on March 9
would provide proposals for the county's coverage.
Human Resources Director Carolyn Hams said several "chronic claims" had been
submitted in the past few months, and they had placed a heavy burden on the program,
even with a stop loss. She said several options would be reviewed in the next few weeks.
Harris said the county had 846 budgeted positions on the insurance plan, plus some
retirees.
Mashburn said the county needed to start looking at the employees' lifestyle
habits
Commissioner Norman said that before the county placed the costs on the
employees, all options needed consideration. He mentioned the use of a wellness
program.
Harris said the county was in the group benefits program with the county
commissioners' association. She said the association had chosen CIGNA Healthcare to
provide claims administration.
Chairman Tice asked the current stop loss, and Browder said it was $100,000.