Culberson County Commissioners Court opened the floor to Debbie Faukner with USI Insurance Services for the annual review of the Health Insurance plan and Dental/Vision plan available to county employees. Faulkner broke the options into two, with the current grandfathered plan taking a $35,000 hit if renewed. Many, if not all, (Culberson and Hudspeth counties), like-minded entities have opted to leave the grandfathered plans over the past 11 years and since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The court approved keeping the current policy and absorbing the 5.9% increase for the simple fact that the second insurance plan option had a rate increase for employees with children. The county also approved remaining with the same Dental/Vision policy.
Commissioners court did the best they could with the information they had during the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget Workshop. Tax Assessor-Collector, Joe Morales, is working on the 2023 Proposed Tax Rate for approval by the court. The timeline for setting a public hearing and accepting the tax rate is quickly approaching and ends next month. Judge Carlos Urias assured the court that once Morales provides him with the data, he will call a special meeting with 72 hours notification required by law. Judge Urias alluded to a “worst case scenario” that leaves the County having to revert to the approved 2022 Tax Rate should the work on the tax rate not get done.
In other business:
Approved giving permanent part-time employees Holiday Leave Benefits beginning October 1, 0222.
Appointed Election Judges for the November General Election.
Approved setting the 2023 Sheriffs’ and Constables’ Fees to remain the same at $150.
Approved the final draft of the Culberson County Election Information Security Policy submitted by County Clerk Linda McDonald.
Approved and signed a contract with Kinetic Business/Windstream for telephone and internet services at the County Financial Offices on Broadway Street.
Reviewed and approved submission by County Auditor Mark Cabezuela, for 27 hours of Continuing Education as part of the required 40 hours which includes Cabezuelas job description as Investment Officer.
Conducted a Public Hearing to discuss the County Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
Before closing the meeting, Judge Urias offered congratulations to Blue Origin on another successful launch and to the Van Horn High School Volleyball Team for their recent accomplishments.
