October 13, 2016
COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS
October 13, 2016
Commissioners Doug Tucker and John Prinkki and Administrative Assistant Angela Newell were present.
8:30 Pledge of Allegiance
9:00 Civil Deputy Attorney Jacque Papez joined the meeting. The meeting was closed to discuss the Burgen litigation.
9:16 Meeting reopened to the public.
Commissioner Tucker moved to approve meeting minutes for September 15th and 26th; Commissioner Prinkki seconded; motion carried.
10:00 Carbon County News Reporter Elanor Guerrero and Contract Planners Brent Moore and Monica Plecker met with Commissioners regarding the New and Expanding Industry Assessment Applications received for the Mud Springs Wind Project et al. Commissioner Prinkki noted the Commissioners have sent a letter to EverPower acknowledging the receipt of the applications. A Public Hearing has been set for November 17th. Commissioner Prinkki noted that the State currently provides a 50% tax reduction for alternative energy; the New and Expanding Industry tax abatement would be an additional 50% reduction for 5 years and would return to the full rate after 10 years.
10:10 Pam Walling from the MACo Health Care Trust (HCT), Jane Swanson-Webb, Jared Bergum, and Jeff Schmalz met for the Insurance Committee meeting. Commissioner Prinkki has resigned from HCT Board. If the Committee would like to seek requests for proposals (RFP) for health insurance she would help prepare the solicitation materials so the Committee can compare comparable plans. If the County were to change insurers employees would need to be notified by May 1, 2017. Pam noted rate increases for insurers that participate in the Affordable Care Act Market Place are expected to increase 30%-50%. Pam noted she would be willing to help employees shop for other insurance options for their families. 10:40 Becky Grey joined the meeting. Pam noted every county that has left the HCT has wanted to come back. Committee likes the idea of helping employees with dependents shop for other insurance options rather than going out for RFP. The Committee discussed timing of Wellness Screenings; possible dates were December 6, 7, 13, or 14. Pam noted that the HCT would like feedback on the pharmacy program to help guide possible future changes to the program. Pam also noted the New West Health Insurance is going out of business; the HCT will be contracting with Blue Cross for the Medicare Supplement Plan. Jeff would like to see rate comparisons with other carriers in lieu of RFP.
11:36 Commissioner Tucker moved to approve the Lease Agreement with Red Lodge School eliminating the inclusion of the Pig Barn; Commissioner Prinkki seconded; motion carried.
12:00 Adjourned
Respectfully submitted: Angela Newell, Administrative Assistant