Reno County approves USI as benefits consultant; officials cite first‑year savings guarantee

The Reno County Commission on June 8 approved the benefits committee's recommendation to engage USI as the county's benefits broker and consultant.

Helen Foster (S10), the county HR director, told the commission the benefits committee reviewed three responses to an RFQ and selected USI for its aggressive cost‑management approach and employee‑facing tools. Foster said USI projected substantial first‑year savings on administrative and drug costs and that the firm’s fees would be offset by those savings.

Commissioner S6 asked whether the county could rely on the projected savings. County Administrator S5 responded that USI had guaranteed savings sufficient to cover its fee for the first year and that, if targets were missed, the consultant would amend its pricing for the following year: “They will guarantee the they'll give us savings that will cover that cost,” S5 said.

Following discussion, a motion to approve the benefits committee's recommendation was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The commission did not specify the dollar value of the contract in the meeting; the HR director referenced an estimated first‑year savings figure during her presentation but staff said final contract terms and benchmarks would be confirmed in the procurement paperwork.

Staff will complete procurement documentation and return any final contract for administrative execution under county procurement rules.