Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
He thinks that the public will understand that it is for this reason right now rather than down the <br /> road. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs suggested exploring a different way of looking at this and talking <br /> with the judges about running a drug rehabilitation program and house arrest. He suggested <br /> having the County's own program for misdemeanants if the judges are willing to work with the <br /> County. This would be cheaper than building a new jail. <br /> Frank Clifton said that this is an analysis that needs to be done. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that this is something to explore and she has had discussions with <br /> Judge Buckner on this topic specifically. <br /> Frank Clifton stressed that there will still probably have to be a tax increase to cover <br /> this. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that he wants to know exactly how many pennies it is that <br /> the State has cost the County. <br /> Frank Clifton made reference to the spreadsheet of Employee/Retiree Health <br /> Coverage, which was in the agenda packets. Right now, it costs about $6,500 per employee <br /> and retiree for the health program. This is before anticipated increases. The rest of the cost <br /> for dependent coverage is split with the employees. The County Commissioners have six <br /> months to decide what to do. This will have to be addressed to some extent. He said that the <br /> staff is working through many options to see what is best for health care coverage for the <br /> County. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked if the County was large enough to consider self insurance <br /> and Frank Clifton said yes. This is one of the options to consider. <br /> Chair Pelissier asked if Orange County was unusual in providing free employee health <br /> insurance. Frank Clifton said that Orange County provides a higher level of dependent <br /> coverage than other places. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that it would be good to have this kind of background information <br /> as the Board looks at this. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that he would like to argue for looking at the entire benefit <br /> package for employees. He would like to solicit comments from employees as it relates to the <br /> 401 k and other compensation issues. <br /> Frank Clifton said that the employees want to know when they are going to get a raise <br /> at this time. He said that he does not know of any place outside of Orange County where <br /> employees get free health insurance after retirement for the rest of their life. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs <br /> to adjourn the meeting at 9:57 PM. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Bernadette Pelissier, Chair <br /> Donna S. Baker, CMC <br /> Clerk to the Board <br />