Up until three years ago, Barton County was self insured. Then, at the recommendation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the county signed up for the state health care plan.
“That was a good idea,” County Administrator Richard Boeckman told the County Commission Monday morning, meeting at the courthouse. The governing body voted to re-up with Kansas State Health Care Commission for another three-year contract.
Boeckman said county employees have been satisfied with the plan. And, even though the 2012 budget allowed for a $90,000 increase for insurance benefits, a good year with few claims allowed the plan’s cost to decrease from last year.
“I hope this plan continues to serve us well,” said Commissioner Jennifer Schartz. The alternative is to re-bid the county’s insurance and that is a cumbersome process.
The state plan has divisions for both state and non-state public employees. Barton County falls into the non-state category.
In other business, the commission:
• As the drought gripping the plains continues to worsen, the Barton County Commission Monday morning voted to extend the county-wide burn ban for yet another week. Effective at noon Monday, open trash burning, campfires, and all open fires are prohibited. This will be in force until noon, Monday, Aug. 27, at which time it may be extended.
Barton County Communications Director Doug Hubbard said all the fire chiefs in Barton County were in favor of continuing the ban.
Questions about burning, should be directed to the fire chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. The fire chief may or may not issue an agricultural burning permit.
Violation of this state of emergency may result in fines of up to $2,500.
• Reappointed Lloyd Kurtz and appointed Trella Berscheidt to the Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging Council. SWKAAA helps determine long term needs and adequate programs for all senior citizens in Southwest Kansas. This is a two-year term and the appointees are required to attend four quarterly meetings per year, with mileage reimbursed. Both positions end in September 2015.  There were five applicants for the two openings.