Finance Office Investigating County Employee Health Insurance Change

The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, September 9, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Budget Committee Chairman Griffith. Absent from roll call were Commissioners Blevins and Dockery.

Following Approval of the Minutes, the Chairman called for election of officers for the Budget Committee. Committee Member Akard made a motion that current officers would retain their positions for another term. The motion was 2nd by Committee Member Beeler and Passed. Griffith will serve as Chairman. Dockery will continue as Vice Chairman and Mills will remain Secretary.

Three budget amendments were presented by Jefferson County Finance Director Helton for approval. One was for the County General Fund (motion by Baxley with 2nd from Akard), one for the School General Fund (motion from Akard and 2nd from Cureton) and one for the School Federal Fund (motion from Baxley and 2nd from Akard). None were fund balance impacting. All three amendments were unanimously approved.

Director Helton informed the Committee that he is investigating the possibility of a different health insurance carrier. Currently the County is with the State plan. He said that he is working with Brad Jenkins of Jenkins Insurance in Dandridge and should have more information regarding numbers shortly. Helton will also meet with Hamblen County Finance to discuss their partial self insured plan, which would provided a County supported clinic that employees would use. He will report back to Committee as more information is available.