Commissioners hear medical insurance option
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County's medical insurance plan has been referred to as a "Cadillac" plan in the past by the county's insurance agent and county residents, alike. Given the county's financial situation, a "Chevrolet" plan might be more in line with the county's current ability to pay.

Flora Clerk-Treasurer Joretta Tinsman explained that town's employee health benefits, a health savings plan, to the commissioners at their Monday morning meeting. She emphasized although the cost would be less for the county and employees, the benefits would be comparable.

"I firmly believe the county is paying too much for health insurance," the Carroll County resident began. "The county can't afford the 'Cadillac' plan anymore."

Tinsman provided a handout which indicated the town of Flora spent $224,647 for its old plan and is expected to spend $192,336, in the worst case scenario, with the health savings plan. She explained in the worst case the town would enjoy a $32,311 savings in one year.

"I don't think you should buy your health insurance without getting quotes," she said. "There are agents in the county who are able to give you quotes on this."

"I think it's worth a look at this," she added.

Tinsman said employees build a savings account, to which the county could contribute. Employees spend out of the account toward a deductible. If the savings account was not depleted at the end of the year, it would roll over and another employercontribution would be made, adding to the total. She said employees own the savings account and could add more than their payroll contribution to the total. The money can be spent for any medical-related expense. If the account became depleted before the deductible was met, the employee would be responsible for that cost out of pocket.

Mayor-elect Randy Strasser said Delphi has saved money on a similar health savings plan this year. He recommended commissioners view a power-point presentation by Pekin Insurance for an indepth look at the different plans and their associated costs.

"My request is that you look at other plans," Tinsman concluded. "I am willing to help the county in any way that I can."

Auditor Beth Myers advised the county's agent would soon make a presentation about different plans available.

EMA director resignation

Justin Darling's resignation as director of the county's emergency management agency was accepted. Darling will become Delphi's new chief of police on Jan. 1.

Museum lease on hold

A lease between the historical society for museum space in the courthouse and the county was put on hold until several legal issues are clarified. Commissioners want clarity about which items in the facility belong to the county and which items belong to the historical society. A question of who holds the liability insurance coverage was also raised.

Historical society board president Phyllis Porter said the group is searching for property and ways to fund a different facility.

Although Porter offered a lease agreement to commissioners and commissioners' attorney Barry Emerson also prepared a document, historical society member Anita Werling said the historical society had not seen or approved any legal document which would obligate the society to the commissioners or the commissioners to the society.

It was decided the matter would be further discussed at the Dec. 3 commissioners' meeting.

Deer Creek Park

A lease agreement with caretakers Rex and Phyllis Gangloff was approved. The Gangloffs will provide services to the county in exchange for rent to keep their mobile home on site. The Gangloffs will be responsible for their utilities.

User fees increase

Fees for Emergency Medical Service (ambulance), county health department and extension office were increased as recommended by department heads. It was decided not to raise camping fees at Deer Creek Park.

No decision was made about increasing fees for building permits and associated services, the trash transfer station, surveyor's services and courthouse usage. Those issues will be discussed at the Dec. 3 commissioners' meeting.

All adjustments will be advertised when the fee schedule is completed.

MLK Day

Commissioners approved the 2008 holiday schedule:

• Jan. 1 - New Year's Day;

• Jan. 21 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day;

• March 21 - Good Friday; • May 6 - Primary election;

• May 26 - Memorial Day; • July 4 - Independence Day; • Sept. 1 - Labor Day; • Oct. 13 - Columbus Day; • Nov. 4 - General election; • Nov. 11 - Veterans' Day;

• Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving;

• Nov. 28 - Abraham Lincoln's birthday;

• Dec. 25 - Christmas; and

• Dec. 26 - George Washington's birthday.

Highway department

An addendum to the contract for work on the Tioga Bridge was endorsed. The work will include rehabilitation, guardrails and raising the bridge for boating safety issues. The bridge will remain a footbridge upon completion of the project, which is shared 40/60 with White County.

Wilson Bridge is closed, as is a small bridge on CR100W. north of CR700S. and bridge #129 located on CR600W.

Other business

Dan Shields from Electronic Systems Group Inc. will evaluate county security needs for a price comparison to current services.

Jeff Kemper from SRI explained delinquent property tax sales options.

Jerry and Carolyn Wagner will use the courthouse rotunda for a wedding Dec. 31 and the Delphi Chamber of Commerce will use it for the annual Festival of Trees Nov. 26 to Jan. 3.

Delphi Chamber of Commerce will have signs on the courthouse lawn from Nov. 9 to Dec. 15 and Nov. 24 to Dec. 31.

The next meeting will be Dec. 3 at 9 a.m.

Drainage Board

A storm drain report and construction plans for the proposed North Central Health Services construction located at Summit St. and Prince William Road in Delphi were approved in a special meeting.

"I see no problems (with the plans)," county surveyor Wayne Chapman said.

Randy Strasser expressed the need to develop a comprehensive drainage plan for the area to accommodate future development.

The next drainage board meeting will be Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m.