FALLS CITY – Richardson County commissioners told county administrators and elected officials Tuesday there is no room in the upcoming budget to ease employee costs of family health insurance.
Brian Kirkendall, Emergency Management director and weed control superintendent, met with commissioners to follow up on discussions earlier this month about the high cost of family insurance plans.
Kirkendall said elected officials are hoping more affordable family health insurance would save the county money in the long-term because county jobs would be more competitive for people with families.
He said there is a benefit to the county to be able to retain employees to hire an employee who has some experience already.
Board Chairman Dave Sickel said the additional employee benefits would add $200,000 to the county’s costs.
Sickel: “There is no way to make it work. Gravel is up. Diesel is up and the budget right now is not great.”
