By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission approved insurance contract renewals for employees during its Tuesday meeting. The premium changes cover health, dental and vision.
Health insurance rates for Ellis County employees will increase by less than anticipated.
Blue Cross Blue Shield premiums will increase by 3.6% over 2025 rates, which is below the 7% increase budgeted and will create about $42,500 in general fund savings for 2026.
Darin Myers, county administrator, said the county pays for 86% of employee health and dental premiums, with employees covering the reamaining 14%. Vision insurance rates will remain unchanged and are fully covered by the employee.
Myers said the employee health benefit fund currently sits at about $1.1 million, due to lower-than-expected renewal rates.
Commissioner Michael Berges asked whether the $42,500 in savings would be rolled into 2027, as the 2026 budget has already been approved. Myers said the funds will be placed in reserves, where they can be used during 2026 or carried over into 2027 if not needed.
Employees enrolled in the county’s health plan will see premium increases, including $2.80 per month for single coverage, $6.30 for employee and spouse, $5.60 for employee and children, and $8.40 for family plans.
Commissioners also renewed contracts with Freedom Claims Management and will continue providing Medical Access & Service Advantage Air and Ground Transport coverage to employees.
ACCESS Transportation
The commission signed letters of support for ACCESS Transportation, which uses the county’s annual subsidy as matching funds for state transportation grants.
In Ellis County’s 2026 General Fund budget, the commission approved a $50,000 allocation to ACCESS. Jerry Michaud, DSNWK executive director, invited the commission, the city of Hays and KDOT to discuss long-term funding solutions for rural public transportation at a meeting set for Nov. 5.
SEE RELATED STORY: ACCESS Public Transportation still faces 2026 budget shortfall
Berges said he is interested in attending the meeting.
Michaud said there are also plans to work with Kansas legislators, such as Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays. He added the program is also considering goals outside of its effort to keep riders on the bus for the shortest time possible.
"We're looking at multi-loading, which puts a pinch on how long people will actually ride, but it may be a way that we gain some efficiencies," Michaud said.
Grant amendment
The commission approved and signed an amendment to the Build 2019 Grant for the Northwest Business Corridor Truck Route Improvements Project.
Brendan Mackay, Ellis County public works director, said the project was completed about two and a half years ago. The amendment finalizes project completion dates and accounting details.
SEE RELATED STORY: Local officials advocate for 183 Bypass, I-70 bridge reconstruction
Other business
Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission provided an update on what the organization is doing in the area and Deb Minkler, the new director, introduced herself to the commission.
The Chamber in Hays provided an update on the efforts of the Ellis County Workforce Committee and the Child Care Taskforce.
The commission approved an updated job description for the IT Director position. Approval would allow HR to begin advertising the position on Nov. 1.
The commission also approved a list of surplus vehicles and equipment to be sold through an auction, including a fire engine from Victoria.
The consideration for an agreement granting AMP Rentals temporary access to a county-owned water well, allowing for the well's use until a rural water meter is obtained from the Trego County Rural Water District, was delayed until next week.
Berges also led a moment of silence in response to the death of Hays Police Sgt. Scott Heimann, who was killed in the line of duty.