Commissioners point to steep healthcare cost growth as a driver of a multi‑million dollar gap

During the Sept. 18 presentation county officials identified rising, self‑insured health care costs as a primary budget pressure.

The presenter said the county is self‑insured and cited a roughly 266% increase in healthcare costs over a 10‑year period; he cautioned that switching to a commercial plan could shift costs but also reduce the county's control and might not lower net costs because insurers would apply profit margins. "Our cost is going up almost 20%... it's out of control," the presenter said (speaker 1).

Officials said healthcare and lost revenue from exemptions together create an estimated $10.4 million shortfall when comparing certain categories of revenue and expenses presented on the county slides; commissioners said they are exploring options, including benefit design changes and the potential sales‑tax alternative to lower the millage burden.