COMMISSION FACING SHORTFALL TO FUND HEALTH INSURANCE - New 911-OES Director Will Be Hired, Pending Lawsuit Against County

(06/13/2009)

The Calhoun Commission will address the issue of health care coverage for county employees and elected officials at Monday's meeting. PEIA announced a new 12% health coverage increase, which overextends available funds in the county budget for 2009-10. Commissioners have expressed concern about the skyrocketing costs of health insurance, which has reached thresholds that few West Virginians or local governments can afford. The latest increase amounts to $32,088 for Calhoun's limited budget, increasing monthly individual coverage from $40 to $63 per employee, or $104-$124 for family coverage. Commissioners, at last month's meeting, said health insurance is becoming unaffordable for individuals, businesses and government. The commission will discuss a new grant application for paving the walking trail at Calhoun County Park. A pending lawsuit against the county will be addressed with the county's insurance carrier, regarding a woman who says she fell inside the courthouse two years ago causing injury. The initial claim is for $100,000. A discussion regarding the claim indicated the woman did not notify officials in the courthouse of her injury at the time it occurred. Commissioners will be interviewing applications for a 911-OES Director's position, after which they will make the hire. 911 Director Gary Buchanan is resigning, and the commission decided last year to create one job to cover both positions. The commission has been asked to issue letters of support for two county projects, one for a new Little Kanawha Bus building and the other for a Housing Preservation Grant Program. Bill Howley will appear regarding how the PATH electric power project will affect Calhoun and regional residents.

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