Allamakee County Board of Supervisors meeting, Feb. 7

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors discussed and took action on several agenda items at its regular Monday meeting, Feb. 7. The board began by making one amendment to the agenda, which was to change the item listed as "Compensation for Data Processing/HIPAA Security Officer" to "Appoint/Compensation for Data Processing/HIPAA Security Officer".
There was no public comment, but during that time, Allamakee County Auditor Mary O'Neill announced that she would be attending a demonstration of the new voter equipment February 16 in Winneshiek County.
During the time for the Department Heads meeting, representatives from the Janitorial, E-911, Recorder, Case Management, Relief Office, and CPC office were present to give updates. John Kurt, from the janitorial department, stated that there was not much new in his department, but did address concerns about a generator issue last week.
Deb Winke, Recorder's Office, announced that next week documents from that office will go online. Jean Carroll, E-911, stated that the E-911 Board has met and is still working on Amendment IX and is waiting to do anything until there is a zoning ordinance.
Sue Spilde from Case Management was present to introduce Patty Kaye, a Luther practicum student who has begun working in the department. Linda Kruse, Relief Office, stated that they have been very busy the past few months.
Jan Heikes of the CPC Office was also present. She noted some dates of interest, and stated that April 6, a bus from Allamakee, Winneshiek, and Howard counties will travel to the State Capitol to give those persons with disabilities a chance to visit the capitol and meet with legislators.

REGULAR BUSINESS
In regular agenda business, the board accepted the manure management update for Cross Roads. Veterans Memorial Hospital submitted the lone bid to provide transportation of individuals to Iowa City for treatment, and that bid was accepted for two years.
The board also accepted the appointment of Laurie Welch to the special clerk position of Data Processing/HIPAA Security Officer, and agreed to compensate her for her additional tasks, with the extra compensation coming from the Data Processing budget.

HEALTH INSURANCE
The item that brought the most discussion was the consideration and decision on the county's health insurance for FY06. Members of the Health Insurance Committee were present to discuss with the board the premium increase and to ask the board to sign the policy into place, but leave room for a contingency. Committee members explained that there was a premium increase of 4.22%, which board chairperson Kathy Campbell stated was very low compared to what they have seen in previous years, and the committee also stated that they are still looking into additional quotes.
The Health Insurance Committee stated that they would like to have the Board of Supervisors sign so that the premium increase of 4.22% is locked in, but they wanted to be able to investigate any lower quotes, should they find any.
Supervisor Lennie Burke raised questions on the policy regarding retired employees, and it was agreed that the committee should check into how easy it is for someone who is retired from the county and eligible for Medicaid to get supplemental insurance if they have a serious illness or pre-existing condition. The language of the current policy states that a retired county employee is eligible to be under the county's group plan until age 65, when Medicaid would kick in and pick up medical bills. Burke's concern was what happens to those who have serious illnesses or procedures for which Medicaid would not foot the bill, and how they would pay for it.
"It states that because of years of service to the county that we have loyalty to those employees," Burke noted. "I just don't think it would be fair to throw them to the wolves."
Campbell noted that they have left room in the policy for those in a special situation to approach the board for waivers. It was agreed by all that the Health Insurance Board should look into how supplemental insurance works if one has a pre-existing condition.
In other matters, date and time for a public hearing on vacating a portion of Lily Road was set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb, 22, and levies were discussed and set in an effort to move towards finalizing the budget.
In other business, Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour addressed the series of letters to the editor that have been written by Dean and Sherry Bechtel and published in The Standard. The letters are in regards to a disagreement about an easement with the county.
It was noted that some of the supervisors had been contacted by the Bechtels about this matter, and that the board had offered to set up a meeting between the Bechtels, the Board of Supervisors, the County Attorney, and the County Engineer to try and clear up the dispute, but has not received a response from the Bechtels.