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a <br />session and any additional discussion, staff proposes that the Board consider and approve the <br />attached joint resolution. <br />The Board also discussed the second issue at the March 15th work session concerning the <br />continuation of health care benefits for identified Orange Person-Chatham Area Program (OPC) <br />retirees until such time as they are eligible for Medicare coverage. A draft Memorandum of <br />Agreement (MOA) addressing this matter is attached. Proposed for approval by all three <br />counties, the MOA designates that Orange County would include the identified OPC retirees <br />under Orange County's healthcare plan. The OPC Area Authority would provide funds to <br />Orange County for the purpose of funding the post-retirement health insurance benefits for the <br />qualified OPC employees. Should initial funding from OPC not address all health insurance <br />cost for the retirees, the MOA stipulates that all three counties would equally share the <br />remaining costs. <br />Considerable analysis and negotiation between OPC and PBH - guided and directed by their <br />appointed boards - has occurred over many months to reach this point in accomplishing a <br />formal merger. The various attachments contain specific details on the history, evolution, and <br />current status of OPC in relation to PBH. <br />Commissioner Steve Yuhasz is the current BOCC liaison to the OPC Board. BOCC Chair <br />Bernadette Pelissier preceded him in this role. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact to Orange County associated with approval <br />of the joint resolution related to governance for future merged mental health services. For the <br />MOA, OPC will provide funding to the County to cover the projected health insurance costs for <br />the identified OPC retirees. Should for initial funding from OPC subsequently not address all <br />health insurance costs for the retirees, the MOA stipulates that all three counties would equally <br />share the remaining costs. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the joint <br />resolution and Memorandum of Agreement and authorize the Chair to sign both documents. <br />