County Cost Savings Ideas - Health Insurance

This is an email I sent to the Health Committee on April 30-

I have spoken to several County employees who have interest in a mutual benefit with the County as it relates to Health insurance. As you are aware, the cost of Health insurance is ever-increasing and a considerable burden on the taxpayers. The 2008 budget for the County's Health, Dental and Vision Self-Insurance fund was more than $8.5 million.

I would like to request that the Health Committee review and discuss the impact an "opt out" for County Health insurance for County Employees who fit predetermined criteria and elect not to take coverage. I recommend that proof of alternate insurance be provided and kept on file, however this program could offer substantial savings to the County as well as a benefit to those with dual (spouse) health insurance coverage.

This has been done with success around the country; we may be able to realize some success by offering County employees an incentive to take their spouse's coverage, providing a nominal allowance ($150-$200 / month) to offset premiums for the alternate policy. In comparison, I believe that family coverage offered by the County is in the order of $10,000 per year - therefore each employee electing to "opt out" of health insurance could receive a $2,000 benefit, and provides the County an $8,000 savings. While this may seem insignificant, just 60 employees participating in the "opt out" could result in approximately $500,000 for the County; 120 could be $1 million.

Here are some links of municipalities which have enacted such a program, and sample forms:

http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/comptroller/smart_savings.html

http://www.apria.com/resources/1,2725,494-738919-1,00.html

http://www.co.walworth.wi.us/county%20board/website/Agendas-Minutes/Human%20Resources/2007-2008/Minutes/November%2013,%202007.pdf

http://www.talbotcountymd.gov/index.php?page=Benefits#health

http://www.co.pinellas.fl.us/persnl/benefits/health.htm

http://www.lbo.state.oh.us/123ga/fiscalnotes/123ga/HB0379HR.htm

http://www.spotsylvania.va.us/emplibrary/New%20Emp.%20Benefit%20FY2008.pdf

http://www2.co.multnomah.or.us/County_Management/Benefits/Forms%20&%20documents/Medical-Dental/Medical%20Opt%20Out%20Flyer.pdf


There is also a Shared Municipal Service Consortium Initiative (SMSI) grant program that we might want to consider finding out more about-

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/smsi/smsihealth06-07.html


The NYS OGS also has a link for a similar program.
http://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/costsavings/index.htm

May B&G Committee Update

DMV Building - Working on the preliminary design. Survey completed, soil sampling is being performed. Hope to have schematic design complete by early July, at which point we will have public review and comment.

South Main Street - Moose property has been purchased; closing on the Woods property is scheduled for around July 1. B&L and JCM Associates are working through the Area Agency on Aging Office feasibility study related to this area and are determining the space requirements for a new building. Study should be complete in June 2008. From the study, we will determine whether a new Aging office building will fit on South Main Street and how it would lay out.

NYSERDA energy study - Brian parker (B&G Superintendent) has been requested to find the status on our Cortland County Office Building Audit and will provide an update soon. This information will provide some direction on renovations to the CCOB and what kind of payback can be realized by better controlling our HVAC and lighting systems.

CCOB Study - Waiting for report from B&L / JCM Associates that can provide a County master plan for facilities. Should be forthcoming.

Preventative Maintenance plan - Scott Schrader and B&G have developed a list of planned/ preventative maintenance projects for County facilities. The list was provided to the B&G Committee at the March Committee meeting. a 5 year plan was drafted to take care of building needs, the proposed impact is approximately $150,000 per year. There is currently no plan for preventative maintenance of our facilities. By getting a line item in the budget we can minimize the impact of reacting to required repairs at a much higher cost than a prioritized, prepared plan. This plan will be discussed in the next few months, finalized and sent to the Budget and Finance Committee for consideration in the 2009 budget.

Crow deterrent machine - B&G has fabricated a skid for the portable device in preparation for the fall season. A use plan has been drafted and the device should be ready to deploy when needed. Thanks to Brian Parker for his efforts, the machine should work as effectively as the permanent system installed on the Courthouse. We hope to keep the thousands of crows at bay, and prevent the birds from roosting in the City trees and creating potential health hazards from their excrement.


Any feedback or suggestions is appreciated.

Gasoline Tax

I am pleased to announce that I have asked the Budget and Finance Committee to place the topic of the County Gasoline Sales Tax on the May meeting agenda.

I am hopeful that the County will consider a temporary freeze or cap on the sales tax placed on gasoline and diesel fuel in Cortland County. I support this measure as a means of relieving the burden on Cortland County residents.

I also believe that this cap will help stimulate local economy as visitors who travel through or to Cortland to fill up will also take time to shop for goods and services in the County.

I am requesting that the previous year and projected sales tax figures for County gas revenue be provided to Legislators for review. I am hopeful that the temporary cap can be put in place from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

I encourage your thoughts on this issue.

South Main Street Properties

The Planning Department will be providing the B&G Committee with site and aerial plans of the two properties being secured by the County on South Main Street. We hope to review these plans with JCM Associates, who is performing a feasibility study for the County on the Area Agency on Aging.

The study will take a close look at the needs of the department, and program for an updated or newer facility and how it might look if located at the South Main Street site.

Based on this study and the County needs assessment plan at the Cortland County Office Building, it will be determined which direction the County proceeds overall.

DMV Building

I am pleased to announce that I am exploring grant opportunities for the new DMV building, which is in the schematic design phase. I hope to be able to secure funding for photovoltaic (PV) energy that will be incorporated into the design of the building.

NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) sponsors an incentive program which will assist our County to promote and utilize alternative energy.

In addition, I will be working with the design team, JCM Associates and Barton & Loguidice to use innovative technologies in the building, such as low-flow sinks and toilet fixtures, daylighting and energy efficient mechanical equipment.

All of these ideas will ensure responsible design and energy savings.