Garfield County to change medical insurance providers

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) made a decision to change the County's medical insurance provider at the meeting on October 18. Washington Rural Counties Insurance Fund, the current provider, has raised their premiums by 55%. The board decided to change to Public Employee Benefit Board, whose premiums will be a 16% raise for similar coverage.

The board responded to the employee group request with a 4.5% cost-of-living raise and covering medical deductibles.

The Garfield County Sheriff's Deputies are seeking separate representation from the employee's group. They are beginning a process of joining Washington Cops, an organization that have been representing law enforcement entities for over 70 years. Bargaining changes will begin in 2022.

The BOCC are reviewing a credit card policy resolution.

Indexing the BOCC minutes and resolutions has become a needed project, and the board is looking into options to pursue it. The project qualifies for funds from historic document preservation.

At their meeting on October 12, the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners read a letter that was sent from State Fair Commissioner Greg Stewart to Garfield County Fair President Sara Lunsford, commending her on the excellence of the 2021 County Fair.

Stewart praised the civic pride exhibited by the volunteers and fair attendees he interacted with while evaluating the fair. Commissioner Justin Dixon acknowledged Lunsford and all the volunteers who made the fair possible, their appreciation.

The BOCC approved transferring $4,200 additional funding to the fair account for paying premium checks. The money is already budgeted for the purpose.

Another transfer the commissioners approved was $3,354 to Pomeroy Assist for use in the emergency housing. The transfer fills out the budget for 2021.