County Board of Commissioners coverage

The Grays Harbor County commissioners recently took action directly affecting county employees’ medical coverage choices and Seabrook.

Insurance

During the Oct. 16 meeting, the commissioners approved a resolution that will allow county employees to opt out of the county’s medical insurance coverage. If an employee opts out, that employee will receive an incentive.

Some county employees (more than 40 according to the commissioners) already opt out of medical coverage through the county because of various reasons — the most common reason is they are covered by their spouse’s insurance. The commissioners hope they can encourage more employees to opt out, if they can.

The resolution approved on Oct. 16 would see every employee who opts out receiving an additional $475 each month. The commissioners believe the county will save some $110,000 annually through the opt out incentive program.

The resolution refers to the opt-out clauses as “both a cost-saving measure and an efficiency of process.”

Employees who opt out but later change their minds can opt back in during open enrollment, or during other certain circumstances that make them eligible again (the birth or adoption of a child, for example).

Seabrook

The commissioners approved a contract with Rognlin’s Inc. for the construction of the Seabrook pump station project. That project is estimated at $945,000.

The county has agreed to pay $400,000 and Seabrook has agreed to pay the remaining amount, according to the commissioners.