Shelby County Commissioners' Court has voted to stay with Blue Cross/Blue Shield for health insurance coverage through the Texas Association of Counties as decided at their Monday morning meeting.

 

The renewal carries with it a 5 percent premium increase.

 

County Judge Allison Harbison said she felt it was a good rate despite being slightly higher, and that its been a good plan for county employees.

 

Prior to commissioners approving, Charles Poland of Lufkin made a presentation on a partial self-funded plan, which he says has saved other counties such as Angelina and Harrison as much as $100,000 a year.

 

Judge Harbison said Shelby County doesn't have a human resources department it would take to oversee such a plan, and added she would be reluctant to change. Commissioner Pct. 2 Jimmy Lout spoke up saying he liked the health insurance the way it was.

 

In addition, the court OKed a work order for repairs to the elevator in the historical courthouse for $5,418. Judge Harbison said the elevator company explained the elevator is not heavy duty enough for the traffic it experiences and she explained the county needed to be more proactive with maintenance to avoid any future costly repairs.

 

Some $1,700 of the costs will come from the historical courthouse repair budget, while the balance is from the Contingency Fund.

 

In other business:

 

* Approval was given to right-of-way deeds for the purchase of parcels of land for 4 bridge replacement projects on CR 4323 at Flat Fork Creek and CR 1006 at Mill Creek. These replacement projects will take place in 2015.

 

* Approved construction and maintenance agreements between TxDOT and Shelby County for 5 bridge replacement projects on CR 3564 at Hilliard Creek, CR 3455 at Spinney Creek, CR 3455 at Shoat Creek, CR 4256 at Flat Fork Creek and CR 4916 at Flat Fork Creek. These replacements projects are slated for 2016.