Commissioners debate employee assistance program; no action taken

Wichita County commissioners discussed whether to add a standalone Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to the county’s 2026 health plan but did not adopt the benefit at the Jan. 6 meeting.

Sonia, the county’s benefits coordinator, summarized utilization under the previous program and the new plan’s counseling access. She told the court that most EAP use historically came from jail staff and that utilization figures were low in recent years. "I don't know that it is comparable for the county to take on that expense," she said, explaining that the per‑employee per‑month quote discussed would amount to about $1,000 a month (roughly $12,000 annually).

Commissioners asked several operational questions: how quickly counseling could be accessed after a traumatic incident, whether employees would have confidential access, and whether the county could instead arrange memoranda of understanding with local providers. The Sheriff noted the county has used counseling after critical incidents and that advocacy or state resources can be mobilized for large events.

County staff and commissioners agreed the benefits committee will revisit the item with additional detail, including utilization and options for targeted assistance, and the court took no action at the meeting.

What’s next: benefits committee to convene monthly and consider whether to recommend adding EAP or alternative supports.