A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the new three-year contract with Advanced Correctional Health (AC) for medical services at the Benton County Jail. The existing contract is nearing expiration, prompting negotiations for an extension until 2028. The proposed agreement outlines a 2.5% cost increase for the first year, followed by 4% increases in subsequent years. Concerns were raised about the rising costs, prompting some commissioners to suggest pursuing a more favorable three-year deal with incremental increases of 3% for the second year and potentially 4% for the third year. The Sheriff emphasized the urgency of finalizing the contract before the year’s end and noted that current trends in inmate populations might persist unless significant political changes occur that impact incarceration rates.

The board also explored the implications of the average daily population (ADP) of inmates on the contract costs, as the county has been receiving credits due to a lower ADP than originally contracted. While every inmate undergoes a medical evaluation, not all require active medical services, leading to a nuanced discussion about the cost per inmate and future budget projections.

In another major topic, the board evaluated the retention of the county’s two-tier health insurance system. A proposed funding increase was adjusted from 3% to 5% following the decision to not introduce a super high deductible plan, initially expected to reduce costs. This change is part of a broader effort to make the county’s benefits package more competitive in attracting and retaining employees. Adjustments to deductibles were made, with single coverage set at $3,400 and family coverage at $6,800, aligning with regulatory requirements. The board acknowledged the need to either draw from reserves or cut other budget areas to cover the additional $95,000 required by the updated plan. With open enrollment looming, immediate approval was deemed necessary to avoid hindering recruitment efforts.

Further discussions centered on county personnel policy changes, notably the elimination of the leave donation program. With Minnesota’s paid leave set to commence on January 1, providing up to 20 weeks of paid leave, the donation program was deemed redundant. Additionally, revisions to the earned sick and safe time (ESST) policy were discussed, aligning with recent state legislation changes that broaden the scope of sick leave and PTO utilization for situations such as public emergencies and bereavement. The introduction of Minnesota paid family medical leave (PFML) was also addressed, offering employees up to 20 weeks of leave for various conditions, with job protection assured after 90 days of employment.

The board further tackled the reinstatement of funding from the Minnesota Department of Health, previously cut but now restored. The funds, potentially amounting to $737,000, are earmarked for uses related to the new government building, such as immunization clinic costs. However, the board expressed concerns about the practicality of utilizing these funds within the tight timeframe before the contract expires in March.

Additional topics included zoning issues raised by residents, such as Matt Fountain’s concerns about operating a tree service business in a residentially zoned area. The board suggested further discussions with staff to explore possible solutions, including variances or adjustments to zoning stipulations.