Laserfiche WebLink
14. DISCUSS AND TAKE ACTION ON THE RESOLUTION ADDRESSING HEALTH <br /> INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS - Lancaster stated that this resolution <br /> will include all elected officials but noted that the public defender resolution is set different than <br /> the other elected officials. The resolution does provide for anyone to opt out of the proposal. <br /> Lancaster made a motion and Richardson seconded to approve the resolution regarding the <br /> health insurance benefits for the elected officials. <br /> Quandt stated he received numerous phone calls regarding this and it is a self-centered motion <br /> for the county board to receive $1,000.00 more and that would be an 18% increase. He noted <br /> the resolution from 4 years ago that stated that the elected officials would pay insurance co pay <br /> the same as the employees. He feels it is the wrong time to do this. <br /> Lanfear also expressed concern that the board may be headed for legal trouble if they do this. <br /> Richardson stated the she did not receive any phone calls and she supports the elected <br /> officials. This is a temporary fix, subordinates should not be making more than the supervisors. <br /> As far as the legality of this she would defer this to Jack. <br /> Mr. Zitterkopf stated that he was asked to find some benefit for the elected officials a couple of <br /> year ago when the board realized that the salaries were an issue. He found an opinion from the <br /> Attorney General that was the result of a proposal from the legislature. In that opinion it stated <br /> that benefits are not salary and the legislature could change those benefits so the board could <br /> change if they so desired. This was discussed with the insurance carrier and they did not have <br /> a problem. Jack expressed concern and stated it was hard for him to discuss this further. <br /> Discussion was held between Arnold and Quandt. <br /> Arnold noted this this a 21/2 year proposal and it would address to a small degree what was <br /> done to the elected officials. The deputies are paid more than the elected officials and there is <br /> an option to not take it according to the resolution. This is one way we can correct an error that <br /> was made. Some of us knew that we were setting salaries too low. <br /> Lancaster stated that the salaries were set with the array of counties that were acceptable and <br /> when the city population went over 50,000 they did not think that the county would be part of it <br /> but we were. She stated she contacted all of the union stewards and they understood what the <br /> board was trying to do and she also contacted other businesses and did not have any negative <br /> feedback. She also wrote another opinion for the paper. They have continued to look for a way <br /> to resolve this and she feels that the salaries are upside down because the county did not <br /> believe that we would be included in the MSA. We are the only county in Nebraska that this <br /> would happen to in a very long time. <br /> Schuppan stated he wasn't going to discuss this and he realizes that the salaries are too low <br /> and they need to do something but not now and if it passes he will not take part in it. <br /> Lanfear expressed concern that the county board was included but they can opt out. The <br /> $3,400.00 is not even close to what will have to be done in the next resolution to fix the elected <br /> officials salaries and it does need to be fixed. <br /> 4 <br />