Voting to contribute $735.00 per month, per employee, toward the new private exchange healthcare, Freestone County Commissioners approved the measure following much discussion.
The private exchange, through Texas Association of Counties (TAC) and Blue Cross Blue Shield, offers 10 individual plans for employees to choose from to match their specific needs.
Should an employee choose a plan that costs more than the $735.00 provided by the County, said employee will be responsible for covering the difference.
This change will take effect on October 1, 2016, the beginning of the next fiscal year.
Commissioner Pct #1, Luke Ward, Sr. resigned his position as Floodplain Administrator after many years serving in that capacity. Craig Oakes, Commissioner Pct #2, was voted in to take Ward’s place.
The duty of the Floodplain Administrator is to maintain maps and records, to determine if a location is safe from flooding, and to review & approve applications.
Monies from the annual Capital Credit Funds have been received in the amount of $9,424. Commissioners voted to use the money to help with air conditioning and other updates for the Child Advocacy Center’s building.
In regard to the new Cintas contract, the company still has not supplied Form 1295. Per a new law, businesses must provide this form at the same time they submit a contract to any governmental entity. As this has yet to be done, Judge Grant and Commissioners voted to rescind the contract until the proper documentation has been received.
Lastly, Commissioners received the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. The proposed budget is based on a 35% tax rate and is totaled at $11,823,126.63 with monies coming from annual revenue, plus miscellaneous specialty funds.
Budget talks will continue during meetings held Tuesday, August 9th and Thursday, August 11th.
Final tax rate and budget will be set during a public hearing meeting set for Wednesday, August 17, 2016.