Henry County

The primary focus of the meeting was the resolution to adopt the 2017-2018 Henry County Employee Health Insurance Plan. Discussion involved evaluating medical utilization and moving towards more stringent wellness parameters for the subsequent year (2018-2019). For the immediate 2017-2018 plan year, staff presented three options for cost sharing regarding premium increases, recommending the option where the county absorbs 75% of the increase and employees absorb 25%. The recommended resolution involved offering Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser medical plans, a mandatory Aetna Medicare Advantage plan for retirees 65 and over, and retaining Blue Cross Blue Shield for dental and vision. Furthermore, the board was asked to approve changes to life and disability insurance vendors (Voya and Cigna, respectively), authorize seeking consultant/broker fees while removing commissions from premium rates, and continue existing tobacco and spousal surcharges. An incentive program for current enrollees who choose not to enroll in the county plan was also discussed.

The meeting, conducted virtually, focused on finalizing the Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) agreement required by Georgia law for negotiations between the county and its municipalities. The discussion covered various service areas, including annexation procedures which will revert to compliance with Georgia law, building permits and inspections being provided by the county only for unincorporated areas, and building and grounds maintenance funded by county-wide property taxes for county property. Funding for cemeteries will rely on respective city revenues. City prisoner housing costs will be paid by the cities to the sheriff's department based on incarceration time for municipal code violations, while state law violations are covered by the sheriff's office. Transport services will generally be provided by the sheriff for county prisoners, and by each city for its own prisoners, with an exception for the City of Stockbridge receiving free transport in exchange for providing a vehicle. Code enforcement and comprehensive plan development will remain county functions in unincorporated areas, though joint plans are possible. Coroner services are funded county-wide. Indigent defense in municipal courts is the responsibility of each city, while state and county court defense is county-funded. Court security and service of process are county functions funded county-wide. Animal control is a county-wide service funded by fees, fines, and property taxes, contingent on cities adopting a uniform animal control ordinance. The Development Authority of Henry County is funded by county-wide property taxes. Elections for federal, state, and county levels are county-wide funded, while municipal elections are conducted via agreements where cities reimburse the Board of Elections for costs. E-911 and Emergency Management are county-wide services funded county-wide. EMS services are also county-wide services funded county-wide. The Health Department is a county-wide service funded county-wide. A specific point of contention involved fire services, resulting in two districts: one covering the entire county except McDonough, paying a standard millage rate, and a second district for the City of McDonough, which will pay 45% of the millage rate imposed on the rest of the county to account for residents also funding their own city fire department.

The meeting commenced with an amendment to the agenda to include an executive session for pending and potential litigation and a personnel matter. The primary agenda item involved a resolution to amend the Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget to fund the acquisition of real property for airport expansion using fund balance. This acquisition requires $2,040,000 to be placed in escrow with the Henry County Court System for proceedings against Atlanta Motor Speedway, relating to GDOY reimbursable funds. Key project work includes the relocation of Mount Pleasant Road, correction to the runway displacement threshold, realignment of fencing, and construction of the road back at Mount Pleasant. Funding sources were detailed, indicating a county contribution of approximately $187,000. A commissioner inquired about the consequences of not approving the resolution, which would result in forfeiting grant dollars and requiring repayment of approximately $3.88 million related to previous phase one construction for airport extension and widening. The board ultimately voted unanimously to adopt the resolution to amend the budget.

The meeting agenda included discussions related to the classification and compensation plan policy guidelines for Henry County employees, presented to enhance recruitment and retention efforts and ensure market competitiveness. Key discussion points covered salary adjustments via promotional increases, career ladder progression, demotions, and temporary assignments for acting/interim roles. The presentation also outlined discretionary progressive practices such as merit-based pay and flexible schedules. Consultants detailed the job analysis and evaluation process used to determine internal equity, market analysis conducted with 69 benchmark titles across 16 peer organizations, and recommendations regarding the pay philosophy (targeting 'at market' rates), grade structure, and pay range width. The discussion also touched upon the adoption of the classification and compensation structure.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, marking the beginning of the new year and decade. Key agenda items involved procedural adjustments, including the postponement of a Planning and Zoning item (RZ 1922 regarding rezoning on Chambers Road) and the removal/postponement of an item concerning the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to recognizing employees for longevity and tenure, honoring individuals with 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service across various county departments such as DOT, Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Clerk's Office, and Fire Department. Following employee recognition, the board appointed Commissioner D Clements as the new Vice Chair. County Manager updates covered the commencement of the Fiscal Year 2021 budget cycle, emphasizing increased board involvement in departmental budget reviews and the inclusion of the Capital Improvement Plan. Furthermore, an upcoming employee and family health fair on January 18th was announced, intended to provide resources due to rising dependent health insurance claims. Updates on the HealthStat clinic utilization were also provided.