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31 <br /> Gary Donaldson said the tax rate increase includes both the principal and interest rate. <br /> He said the prior ballot would have only showed the $300,000,000. He said that only the principal <br /> was shown then. <br /> Commissioner Richards said this will create a complication in communication. <br /> Gary Donaldson said it complicates it, but the bond education committee will be able to <br /> break it down and explain that. He said there will be additional points to be included during the <br /> bond education phase. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton asked if the ballot title could be changed to "School Bonds for <br /> Orange County," since there are two school systems. <br /> Gary Donaldson said that they could take that suggestion to the bond education committee <br /> for consideration. <br /> Vice-Chair Greene suggested "Bonds for Orange County School Districts." <br /> Gary Donaldson said they would take that information to the bond education committee. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if the sample ballot reflects the ballot from 2016. <br /> Gary Donaldson said it does. He said the Local Government Commission has approved <br /> the sample ballot, so any changes will go back to them for review. <br /> Chair Bedford said the date may need to be updated to June 18, 2024. She said the <br /> language in the sample ballot is at a high reading level. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said there is no question mark in the ballot to indicate that it is a <br /> question to the voter. <br /> Gary Donaldson said they would work on the language to the extent that it does not <br /> compromise the meaning. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Chair Bedford, to approve <br /> a resolution stating an intent to proceed with a referendum for up to $300 million in general <br /> obligation school bonds. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Recommendations for Employee Health Insurance and Other Benefits <br /> The Board approved the Manager's recommendations regarding employee health and dental <br /> insurance effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. <br /> BACKGROUND: The County provides employees with a comprehensive benefits plan that <br /> includes participation in robust health and dental insurance plans for employees and their families. <br /> Each year, the Board of Commissioners is asked to review and approve health and dental <br /> insurance rates in advance of the annual budget so that open enrollment can be completed prior <br /> to the beginning of the plan year which starts on July 1. <br /> Health Insurance <br /> Since the Board of County Commissioners approved Orange County's participation in the North <br /> Carolina Health Insurance Pool in FY 2018-19,the County maintained the same monthly premium <br /> equivalent rates for health insurance and dental coverage for employees and pre-65 retirees <br /> based on stable claims experience until FY 2022-23. In both FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24, the <br /> Board approved an increase of 5% to the Health Insurance Premium Equivalents for both active <br /> and pre-65 retirees as the Health Insurance plan experienced an increase in the overall number <br /> of claims and higher costs per claim compared to prior years. The higher cost of claims also <br /> resulted in a drawing down of reserves kept within the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool. The <br /> increased cost was paid entirely by the County and not passed on to employees through <br /> increased employee contributions. <br />