The Montgomery County Quorum Court learned Monday night that employee insurance rates were increasing 19 percent for the upcoming year. They also passed several ordinances and resolutions related to grant funds made available through COVID-19 programs.
Robert Inzer, the insurance broker for the county, spoke to the JPs about the increase Monday night at the monthly quorum court meeting. He explained that county employees had filed more claims in the past year than any year he has worked with the county. As a result the county’s rates have increased.
He stated that he shopped around to try and find the cheapest rate, but was unable to find a rate less than the one offered by their current provider, QuallChoice, that provided comparable coverage and deductibles.
He recommended the county absorb the increase in rates if they could. He did say there were other options to consider if they were unable to do so. He eluded to the fact that the other options would include higher deductibles.
Inzer added that if you compare Montgomery County’s rates to other Arkansas counties they have a good rate.
The JPs approved an ordinance appropriating money to pay the increase in county health insurance. The ordinance appropriated the transfer of $8,040 from the county general fund and $6,700 from the road department fund to cover the increase for the remainder of the year.
The Quorum Court also approved a resolution supporting Issue 1 on this year’s ballot. The Issue in question would make a current half cent tax that helps pay for road maintenance in the state a permanent tax. As is it will expire in 2023. In the resolution it is claimed that Montgomery County would lose 437,425.37 annually for local county roads without this tax.
The Quorum Court also approved an ordinance repealing Ordinance 2020-6. Ordinance 2020-6 established a leave policy related to days missed due to COVID-19. It was repealed because the Families First Coronavirus Response Act renders the ordinance redundant.
The Quorum Court also approved a resolution authorizing the county to apply for a grant from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program. They then approved an ordinance establishing Fund 3517 for the monies received from the grant.
The Quorum Court also approved a resolution authorizing the county to apply for a grant from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. They then approved an ordinance establishing a sub-fund in the county general account for the monies received from the grant.
The Quorum Court also approved an ordinance appropriating $5,673.56 to purchase a new computer in the clerk’s office.
County absorbs 19 percent increase in insurance rates
