Better benefits approved for county workers
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The benefits package included a $50 increase to the county’s share of health insurance, bringing it to $225 per month, furnishing a $15,000 life insurance policy at no cost to the employees, and paying the entire employee portion of their state retirement fund, which currently amounts to 5 percent of their salary.
Assistant Director of Accounts Melanie Lanier spoke to the commissioners prior to their vote.
“Already in the budget that you have before you is a benefits package for county employees that will really boost employee morale, and put Warren County more in line with other counties, and at the same time, does not cause an increase to the county property tax,” Lanier said.
The package represented a concerted effort between the Finance Committee, Director of Accounts Linda Hillis and Lanier to provide a fair and across-the-board solution to the rising costs of health insurance for county employees.
“As payroll manager, and a county employee myself, I feel this is the most even-handed and positive step that I’ve seen toward boosting employee spirits in many years. Actions like this will help up provide more efficient and cost-effective service to the taxpayers by retaining our very knowledgeable employees,” Lanier said.
In addition to the budget, the commission voted on resolutions to allow Bouldin Corporation’s WastAway company to apply for state permits to operate a solid waste processing facility in Warren County, and to apply for a community development block grant to start their business.
Both of those resolutions passed unanimously.
The commission also unanimously passed a resolution honoring Warren County citizen Ken Roberts for his service as National Exchange Club President, and Winfred Casey for his 18 years of service in the Veteran’s Administration.
Also passing unanimously was an amendment to the docket appointing an Airport Board of Zoning Appeals, as was set out in recently discovered zoning regulations protecting the county airport. The five board appointees were made up of current members of the Warren County Planning Commission, including Robert Collier, Greg Brock, Keith Bouldin, Nestor Stewart and Brent Foster.