COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION
					      MEETING MINUTES

					       May 16, 2002

A work session meeting of the Chippewa County Board of Commissioners was held on Thursday, May 16, 
2002 at the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  Vice Chairman Aaron Hopper 
called the meeting to order at 5:21 p.m. with a quorum present.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary McDowell, Chairman (5:40), Aaron Hopper, Vice Chairman, Rita Dale, Earl 
                 Kay, and Don Cooper

MEMBERS ABSENT:	Ted Postula and Bernard LaJoie

OTHERS PRESENT:	Tim Dolehanty, County Controller


Additions / Deletions to the Agenda
Vice Chairman Hopper called for changes to the agenda.  Hearing none, the agenda was declared approved as
presented.

Public Comments
There were no public comments.

Agenda Items:  Health Insurance Alternatives
Controller Dolehanty presented the Board with several scenarios for providing health insurance coverage to 
County employees.  Options included employee contributions toward the annual premium cost, higher co-pay
for prescription drugs, and several alternatives that would result in reduced coverage.  Dolehanty also 
presented a table showing projected increases in the current coverage based on the three-year average
increase of 17.45%.

Commissioner Dale expressed opposition to the proposal that would require employees to pay ten percent of 
the health insurance premium and stated a preference for changing the prescription drug co-pay formula.  She 
added that this option was the most logical since prescription drug costs are driving the increases in health 
insurance costs.

Commissioner Kay concurred with Commissioner Dale.  He stated employees did not wish to pay ten percent 
of the health insurance premiums when raises would increase by only three percent.

Commissioner Cooper presented a table using the same three-year average increase projected over a ten-year
period.  He added that retiree coverage should be maintained at a level consistent with what was offered when 
he/she retired.

The Commission agreed to maintain health insurance coverage at the current rate, with the County paying 
100% of the premium cost.  The Commission also agreed to continue researching alternatives to the present 
health insurance program.

Workers Compensation Claims
In follow-up to a previous discussion, Controller Dolehanty reported that the County's workers compensation 
insurance carrier is not able to change coverage to address the first eight days of a work-related injury.  The 
carrier cited requirements of State law as the reason for their inability to change coverage.
FY 2002 Compensation - Non Union Employees
Commissioners agreed not to adjust compensation rates for non-union employees until union contracts area 
settled in order to maintain continuity in pay rates.

Pay Grade Classifications - Tether and Corrections Officers
Commissioners reviewed past requests for pay increases for Tether and Corrections Officers.  Commissioner 
Kay stated the requested increase of 22¢ per hour was inadequate since the rate has not changed for a number
of years.  Commissioners discussed several options designed to tie compensation rates to the approved 
compensation schedule, then agreed to place the officers and bailiffs at grade 6 at a level commensurate with 
their respective years of service.  It was also agree that the chief tether officer should be similarly placed at 
grade 7.  Final action on these changes would take place at the special Board meeting scheduled for later in 
the evening.

Appointment of New Employees:  Assistant Public Defender
Commissioner Cooper discussed the history of the Public Defender's office and the position of the Assistant 
Public Defender.  Commissioners agreed to consider appointment of Mark E. Taylor to the position of
Assistant Public Defender at the special Board meeting.

Animal Shelter Attendant
Commissioners agreed to defer appointment of the Animal Shelter Attendant until the Personnel Committee 
has reviewed the recommendation.

Building Inspections Department / Veteran Affairs Clerk Typist Position
Controller Dolehanty presented a proposal from Building Inspector Anthony Bosley concerning the vacant 
Clerk Typist position. Commissioners agreed to defer consideration of the proposal until the Personnel 
Committee has reviewed the recommendation.

Public Comments
There were no public comments.

Commission Comments
There were no additional comments from Commissioners.

Vice Chairman's Comments
Vice Chairman Hopper had no additional comments.

Adjourn
The meeting was declared adjourned at 6:20 p.m.








__________________________________	__________________________________
Timothy J. Dolehanty, AICP, Recorder	Aaron Hopper, Vice Chairman