Supervisors discuss county health plan

OSKALOOSA – County supervisors in Mahaska County spent more than an hour listening to information provided by Brad Reiman of North Risk Partners. He went through various scenarios and possible options the county could consider.

Mahaska County, which is self-insured, is looking if there is a better plan for its employees, but could provide savings to the county’s health fund. Reiman was not making any recommendations, but providing the pros and cons to options available. County treasurer Connie Van Polen told supervisors she would not be in favor of changing companies. She felt the present policy and services are appropriate for the employees.

In action taken later in the meeting, supervisors transferred $250,000 into the Mahaska County Employee Health Plan Trust Fund from the county’s General Fund to finish out the fiscal year, which ends June 30. Supervisor chairman Mark Groenendyk stated there was about $76,000 in the health trust fund for the reason for the transfer. If any money is left in the fund at the end of the fiscal year, it will rollover to the FY21 trust fund budget.

COVID-19 Block Grant

County supervisors held a public hearing before approving support for activities by Mahaska Health for COVID-19 response. The hearing was more a formality and legality for Mahaska Health to gain access to the funds from the Community Development Block Grant.

Funds from the $49,000 grant will be used to ramp up telehealth in order for assessment of the virus. Funds will also be used to purchase 20 iPads for use by doctors and nurses and 30 laptops for support staff. The funds are Federal dollars that is passed through the state, which is why the local county supervisors had to approve the usage.

“Kudos to Mahaska Health,” said county economic director Tom Flaherty.

In other business:

Approved noxious weed notice publication

Approved FY2019 county audit report

Appointed Jackie Nunnikhoven to Pella Board of Adjustment until January 2022

Approved appraisal bill of $600 to Kraig Van Hulzen for property in Eddyville

Received quarterly report on HIPAA compliance by Roger Shindell of Carosh Compliance Solutions