Brown County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday morning to approve health insurance for county employees for 2021-2022.  The policy approved keeps the deductible rate the same, but the renewal rates are 10.7% higher this year.

Bart Johnson of Painter and Johnson presented an overview of the coverage through the Texas Association of Counties.  Each county in Texas was evaluated based on claims and demographics.  Brown County received a 10.7% increase.  This was due to the group size, claims experience, age and geographic area.  In addition, several large insurance claims were filed this year by county employees.  The pool renewal average across Texas counties is 7.3% to 8.1%.

Johnson also shared some good news.  The Texas Association of Counties will share $4 million in surplus funds this year, and $4 million next year, with interest to the counties in the insurance pool.  The exact amount to be received in Brown County for this year is not yet known, but last year it amounted to $33,000.

In other business:

• Commissioners approved a request from the District Judge’s office to purchase, from the Judge’s budget, a new stenograph machine which is used in court reporting.
• Approved the Sheriff’s Department accepting two donations from individuals, one of $70, one for $100.  It was also noted that the current Brown County Jail population is 154 inmates.
• Commissioners approved an Inter-local Agreement between Brown County and West Central Texas Council of Governments for 911 service.
• Approved employee changes in the District Attorney Office – Victim witness coordinator position.
• Commissioners heard from citizen Raymond Jenkins on the subject of guidelines pertaining to an aerobic wastewater sewage system on his property.  No action was taken but Commissioners will reexamine the current requirement for these systems and schedule a public hearing in the future regarding these systems which many have in the Lake Brownwood area.