Madison Co. sticks with Blue Cross

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Friday, June 8. 2012

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Madison County commissioners agreed May 24 to renew the county’s employee insurance services with Blue Cross/Blue Shield with no additional costs to employees.

The new contract includes an eight percent increase in the government’s contribution to employees’ premiums. The cost for this year was $898,000, with employees contributing $148,000 to the plan. The eight percent increase bumps the total cost of insurance for the next year to $970,000. The BOC agreed to amendments in the insurance plan, which increase some employee co-pays for doctors’ visits and emergency room trips. But the board also agreed to pick up the tab for those increases.

Madison County commissioners budgeted for a 12 percent insurance premium increase for this year, so the hike was smaller than expected.

“With employees not being able to get a raise, picking up the (insurance) increase is the least we could do,” said commissioner Mike Youngblood.

Commissioner Jim Escoe agreed.

“I think our people need to be covered as much as possible,” said Escoe. “When you’re in that situation (a health crisis), you don’t need money problems.”

Madison County considered a cheaper plan from Aetna, but the proposal also included cuts in coverage for certain services. For instance, the county’s insurance representative told the BOC that the Aetna plan included weak coverage for OBGYN services. Under that plan, female employees could have been forced to change gynecologists.

In other matters May 24, the board agreed to get bids on paving all of Colbert-Danielsville Road instead of just the portion from Colbert Grove Church Road to the city of Colbert. Commissioner Pete Bond asked the board to consider paving the road all the way to Danielsville.

The board approved 35 mph signs for Young Harris Road and 25 mph signs on Duffell Martin Road.

County commissioners briefly discussed new open records and open meetings requirements, noting that the guidelines are not clear. For instance, minutes for closed sessions are required, but when are they approved — in the closed session or in open session? If the minutes are approved in closed session, then the board has inappropriately voted behind closed doors. If they are approved in open session, then wouldn’t those minutes immediately become open records? The new guidelines allow for minutes of closed sessions to be closed to the public, but they can be reviewed by a judge.

“If you had someone taking those minutes who couldn’t spell or write, then everything would be fine,” said Bond.

County commission chairman Anthony Dove said he would like to see the Association County Commissioners of Georgia come up with a template for how county commissioners should handle closed sessions.

Youngblood noted that Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens, who pushed for the stricter open meetings and records laws, has not offered clarification for local leaders.

Pethel asked the board to consider improving a private drive so that a school bus can get to a severely handicapped child. County attorney Mike Pruett noted that government work on a private road is considered an illegal gratuity. Dove said he would speak with Rotary Club members about helping improve the driveway for the child.

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#1 taxpayer on 06/08/12 at 10:15 AM [Reply]

MC employee's should contribute 1/3 of the cost which would be around $300,000.00 and not the half they are paying now. Stand up Dove and help us out meaning the taxpayers. I have to pay far more than 1/3 of my health costs and my taxes pay for MC employee's to have a job. I appreciate their work but they need to understand taxpayer's can not foot the bills like we have in the past.

#1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/14/12 at 02:42 PM [Reply]

Using the figures in this article, employees are contributing about 1/9th. of the total cost for their medical insurance. For the taxpayers to cover the 8% increase seems reasonable in consideration of lack of raises, though the cost of living has not increased much over these recession years, so no raise would seem needed. "taxpayer"s response is inaccurate, but the point is (I think) that they don't want to pay somebody else's premiums in addition to their own. If the county employees paid half or all, their salaries would have to be increased to allow them to cover that cost and that income would be taxed. It makes more sense to give employees a tax-free benefit.

Being self-employed, I pay way more for individual coverage than those who have group policies. So I not only pay more, but I also pay for most of the coverage of all government employees (local, state and federal) and their families as well as all military personnel and their families in my taxes. Additionally, I pay for all those that get treatment but can't or won't pay through my over-priced premiums and in the inflated charges from providers, especially hospitals, who up their charges to cover their losses.

At least I can get coverage now because of ObamaCare which prevents insurance companies from cherry-picking their customers by refusing to cover pre-existing conditions or some people at all. Anyone who thinks our health care system is fine the way it is does not think very well or has never been sick. They have to be oblivious to the whole industry because of everybody but them handling everything including the boss paying for and managing the coverage and insurance companies dealing only with providers on the money part. The real customer, the patient, is completely left out of the transactions and has no power in the commerce of medical care.

#1.1.1 TIRED OF MOSS on 06/17/12 at 07:18 PM [Reply]

If you are self - employed how do you get any work done making comments on here ALL THE TIME?
Nobody cares what you have to say, be productive and get a real job..

#1.1.1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/18/12 at 10:55 PM [Reply]

There was a time spanning almost 10 years when I worked litterally an average of 16 hour days, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year to get my business going and keep it going. It was extremely stressful but my hard work made it successful. After over thiry years, the recession has diminished my work by half and I am enjoying the bit of rest. I can do so because I have been forced to start drawing Social Security since I cannot draw unemployment compensation like so many others. Self-employment is not easy, but I have savings because I am a person who believes in personal responsibility for the lean times.

I'm sorry you don't care about what I have to say, but I'm not sure how many others don't. Do you have anything to say that anyone would care to hear?

#1.1.1.1.1 Tao on 06/19/12 at 02:22 PM [Reply]

Ms. Moss says she believes in personal responsibility in this post. In her first post she states government employees are the responsibility of tax payers.

What would be the reason government workers are exempt from personal responsibility?

#1.1.1.1.1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/22/12 at 10:52 AM [Reply]

Please quote me where I said that government employees are the responsibility of taxpayers. I said that I pay their medical insurance in my taxes as does everybody. Jumping from that to the conclusion that government employees are therefore exempt from personal responsibility is non-sensical and ridiculous.

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Tao on 06/22/12 at 01:47 PM [Reply]

"For the taxpayers to cover the 8% increase seems reasonable in consideration of lack of raises, though the cost of living has not increased much over these recession years, so no raise would seem needed." From post 1.1.

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/24/12 at 08:01 PM [Reply]

Please quote me where I said that government employees are the responsibility of taxpayers. I'm still waiting.

#1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Tao on 06/25/12 at 11:05 AM [Reply]

I'm guessing your denial of writing " For the taxpayers to cover the 8% increase seems reasonable" means you have a mental illness that causes you to forget.

#1.1.1.1.1.2 Ben Had on 06/23/12 at 05:06 AM [Reply]

Grasping at straws, Tao?

#1.1.1.1.1.2.1 Tao on 06/25/12 at 09:01 AM [Reply]

No Ben, just trying to point out double talk. Showing that debate is impossible with people who can't substantiate their claims with facts and who so easily switch from one position to another based on opinion and emotion.

#1.1.1.1.2 mc person on 06/20/12 at 08:13 AM [Reply]

Maamm I work 12 to 16 hrs a day since I have been in my 20's and now in my 50's. I work 6 days a week. I do the job of 2 and my rewards are to watch my American GOVT which includes local GOVT give to others more than I have. Someone mentioned a time will come when you have 10 people who need food but we have only enough for 9. Why only enough for 9 ? Because people like me are not enough to support the others. County employee's should pay at least HALF of their benefits. They should not make more than private sector. I could go on and on but I have to work.

#1.1.1.1.2.1 Virginia Moss on 06/22/12 at 11:26 AM [Reply]

When one works hard and/or long, it's very discouraging to pay taxes and see that money wasted by government. If you are referring to welfare type expenditures, it really isn't that much money relative to the military or to Medicare. The latter is a problem because our health care system is out of control, not because it is a government program. So the whole thing needs to be fixed. That is what ObamaCare is attempting to do. If it is not the answer then what is? Romney has tried it in Massachusetts and it is working but has problems. We need to work together to find ways to make health care affordable and accessable to all. I don't like the idea of stepping over dying people so healthcare is the responsibility of everyone for everyone.

I agree, government employees should not make more than the private sector. Also, no employee should ever be given a job from which they cannot be fired or let go. This is why so many government workers are not helpful to the public or, worse, are just plain rude. I haven't encountered that here, but in Atlanta it is rampant, especially in the building departments. They will say anything to make you go away even if it's inaccurate.

#1.1.1.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 07/06/12 at 01:15 PM [Reply]

You will experience plain rudeness in the Tax Appraisers office, if you can get one off of facebook long enough she may help you but won't be going out of her way to do so.

#1.1.1.1.2.2 larry on 06/30/12 at 08:14 AM [Reply]

12-16 hrs? sounds rough.you want i should cry?you chose your career,not me buddy.i am a county employee,and i'll tell you,i earn every penny that i am paid.they don't just give me anything.and before you say it yes i know what it is like to work what you might call a real job. at the age of 16 i was carrying a chain saw in 100 degree weather on a logging operation,i did that for 6 years before i decided that i should find something a little more steady for my growing family.that is why i am a county employee.madison county made it possible for me to support my family for the last 17 years and i appreciate the fact that they are willing to provide health insurance.pay for half?gladly,but make it worth it to us.we don't deserve a pay increase but you want us to take on more financial responsibility? no raises in five years and everything goes up every year people.we learn to adapt or fade away and i refuse to fade away.

#1.1.1.2 ann on 06/18/12 at 11:28 PM [Reply]

AMEN !!!!!THANK GOD SOMEBODY SAID IT BEFORE I DID !!!!!!

#1.1.1.2.1 Virginia Moss on 06/19/12 at 02:29 PM [Reply]

If I am to assume that you are tired of reading my posts here, may I suggest that you simply skip them since it upsets you to the point of screaming at readers (or perhaps, unknowingly, your caps-lock was engaged). Neither you or TIRED OF MOSS indicated why you are tired of my posts. Perhaps I could change my posts to suite you both if I knew why you object so strenuously; then we could all be happy. Could you give it a try?

I would add that, in addition to working hard my whole life and putting away savings for retirement and the lean times, I am completely debt-free with a paid-off house and car. It doesn't take much money for me to live now. So what am I doing wrong that makes you so very angry?

#1.1.1.2.1.1 With Love . on 06/26/12 at 11:00 AM [Reply]

Mrs Moss I love you even if I may not always agree with you . Your opinion is a valid part of the open dialogue and debate we must all keep having to find real solutions to our problems.
We must all remember we will only achieve that through civil discourse and I certainly hope we can continue to do that here and any where we may meet . We are not the enemy of one another here are we? The real enemy I believe is the two radical factions who have taken control of our Government . They are not the Government we are and we all need to take it back and put it under control ourselves because those two parties sure don't seem to be willing or able.
This what we are witnessing today is by no measure the end but and exciting new beginning for an Idea which time has come . That is to either take back control of our Government and our Country and liberty and Freedoms or Abolish this Form of Government and re-institute one that will better serve our needs and our future Liberty and Prosperity . A Government of the people by the people and for the people. Not special interest .

#1.1.1.3 Ben Had on 06/20/12 at 04:54 AM [Reply]

If Ms. Moss stops commenting here, the level of the debate will drop dramatically. Maybe down to a level even you could comprehend.
If you and Ann don't like what she writes, stop reading it! It's a free country despite what you may prefer.
Or, better yet, why don't you respond to her comments with an intelligent rebuttal if you believe she is wrong-minded. Share with us your worldly experiences,your vast insights.
I can't wait.

#1.1.1.3.1 Virginia Moss on 06/22/12 at 11:33 AM [Reply]

Thanks for your kind words. My son-in-law often talks about teachable moments being good opportunities for enlightenment with children. This board is full of those moments so I like to take his advice here. I can't always know if the commenters are children or adults, but it's all the same opportunity. It would be nice to have more elevated discussions of county affairs here, especially with the elections coming up, in order to learn something I don't know.

#1.1.1.3.2 Tao on 06/23/12 at 07:37 AM [Reply]

Ben, if Ms. Moss would state the facts and not opinion based on incorrect facts then there could be a debate. And if the a single position could be adhered to and not backpedaling then there could be a debate.

#1.1.1.3.2.1 Ms.K on 06/24/12 at 08:13 PM [Reply]

This entire forum is for commenting about articles in the local paper. Thus it is about opinions and it doesn't matter whether those opinions are supported or not; they are simply a commenter's thoughts. Your only thoughts here are about putting down on the thoughts of others and finding fault, not with their opinions, but with them personally. Why are you not able to simply state your very own opinion about the article? All you have done is make excuses why you can't.

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1 Tao on 06/29/12 at 04:49 AM [Reply]

What would be the reason that pointing out someone's incorrect information would be seen as "putting them down" or "finding fault". I consider it educating, lifting one from ignorance into knowing.

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1.1 Ms.K on 06/29/12 at 05:43 PM [Reply]

".... you have a mental illness that causes you to forget."

If you don't want to be seen as putting others down, then completely avoid directly addressing other posters.

"Showing that debate is impossible with people who can't substantiate their claims with facts and who so easily switch from one position to another based on opinion and emotion."

If you don't want to be seen as finding fault, then simply state your opinion and leave the opinions of others alone. Can you manage to do that?

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1.1.1 Tao on 06/30/12 at 05:53 AM [Reply]

Opinions do not belong in debates or in decisions that affect others lives. Opinions are good when kept to the one who has it.

Public boards like this one are at their best when facts are stated without opinion. When others are incorrect in their statements they need to be corrected so others can make educated decisions based on truth.

I'm sorry that emotion drives your decisions rather than the pursuit of truth.

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1 Ben Had on 07/01/12 at 04:50 AM [Reply]

Tao, you should start providing links to support your positions, otherwise they are just another opinion, like everyone else has.

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Tao on 07/01/12 at 10:10 AM [Reply]

Benny every statement of fact I make is easily researched and the data source located. Unlike the government enablers I will not do the work and then turn it over.
I would suggest the first exercise for your group be, define breath. After finding the answer to this the truth will be much easier.

#1.1.1.3.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Ms.K on 07/01/12 at 10:39 AM [Reply]

That's a little like asking a political candidate you never heard of why you should vote for him and he tells you to go find out why.

#1.1.2 Missy on 06/19/12 at 01:18 PM [Reply]

Guess as self employed you get those good ole boy govt contracts so no problem for you to pay more. I just dont believe you lady. I am tired of paying for Govt workers that did not go as far in school as I did and take more time off and get paid more. Public unions need to go to hades.

#1.1.2.1 Virginia Moss on 06/22/12 at 11:05 AM [Reply]

Why in the world would you make such a guess out of all the possible ways to make a living in this country? I'm a commercial space planner working with office leasing folks. The closest I come to government contracts is in preparing construction drawings for obtaining building permits. I have no college education. I just figured it all out myself and I am very good at it, but I'm cheap in order to compete so I don't make any more than the average person.

If you are not happy with your personal situation, do something to change it. Ranting and complaining will change nothing.

#1.1.2.1.1 Realator on 06/25/12 at 08:35 AM [Reply]

Commercial Space renters/buyers by GOVT people pay in my opinion more than real market price for rent or building costs. Just look at a building built in Madison Co on prior land fill and settling problems (hope you did not do that one). I will vote for change in next election. That means incumbents in both parties for the most part will not get my vote. Wish a strong candidate would run against Dove as now realizing he is just like prior BOC fella that ran it.

#1.1.2.1.1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/25/12 at 05:38 PM [Reply]

I work with already-built buildings and I can tell you unequivocally that governments absolutely do not pay more, they pay less often much less! I have worked with a great deal of office space for state government and for City of Atlanta offices. The reasons building owners accept less from governments is that governments will sign a long-term lease and/or will take space the landlord has trouble leasing to non-governmental entities. Governments also have their own rules so that, if the landlord wants to make a lease deal, they will have to bow to those rules.

I would like to know how Mr. Dove is like previous chairmen. Looks to me like the new home for Fine Finish is an incredible deal and a very nice place to be for them.

#1.1.2.1.1.2 Citizen Cain on 06/26/12 at 10:38 AM [Reply]

Are you referring to the Jail built by EX Sheriff Lowe that was built on a land fill and cost the tax payers in the millions for repairs along with not adding a place to house the women inmates still costing us hundreds of thousands today .
No perhaps it is the Ex Sheriff Lowe that is now wanting to run anybody he doesn't agree with out of the county if he gets re-elected . We better keep the best Sheriff we have had in some time .
He is running in the green not the red as our previous was . By the way I say he wants to run people out of the county who he doesn't agree with because its on one of his campaign flyer's I found hanging on my door while his sweet wife was out canvasing for him the other day.

The answer is clear to me Kip Thomas 2012.
The county voted Lowe out once what has changed about him to make him or anybody else think we want him to return to public service with such a fascist attitude . Just think the ones he may be wanting to run out could be one of your own loved ones. Is that what you really want ? He wants to bring back the MANS unit and bring the Feds in . Is that what we need here ? How come Kip doesn't need them ? Maybe because he can do the job with the good people he has without costing us a fortune. GO KIP 2012 !!!!!

#1.1.2.1.1.2.1 Virginia Moss on 06/29/12 at 06:03 PM [Reply]

"Are you referring to the Jail built by EX Sheriff Lowe that was built on a land fill and cost the tax payers in the millions for repairs along with not adding a place to house the women inmates still costing us hundreds of thousands today."

I'm not sure how many voters will be impressed with your assessment of sheriffs when you are so grossly misinformed about the jail. The only structure built on landfill is part of the small building on the right as you approach the jail. It used to house the Fine Finish program and is now used for storage. I don't know the actual figure but I doubt that even one million dollars was spent repairing it. As to housing the incarcerated females, again, I doubt seriously it has cost the hundreds of thousands of dollars you propose since the jail was built. Your post might be kind of a bit embarrassing for Mr. Thomas though I'm sure he appreciates your support.

#1.1.2.1.2 Missy on 06/26/12 at 08:55 AM [Reply]

OH GOSH me. Virginia pay her way in society and saving us by doing commercial space planner. No wonder building real estate bubble.

#1.1.2.1.2.1 Ben Had on 07/01/12 at 05:31 AM [Reply]

Why don't you say something intelligent?Anything. Come on, give us one of those crumbs.

#2 Insurance is a scam across the board. on 06/19/12 at 07:44 AM [Reply]

The truth is in my SN. Insurance is about the biggest corporate entity in the world second maybe only to the financial sector that is just a scam in my opinion . If it was worth it why would they all have to lobby the government to force you to have it in many cases ? Enough said . Just think about it before you post. We are all living under a financial industry that believes wealth is produced by keeping us indebted and insurance cant save you from anything. In most cases increasing their rates or canceling you when you use it ,if not denying you coverage because that particular event or circumstance is not covered under your policy. Sound familiar ? Abolish the Federal Reserve and the UN abolish this form of Government and re-institute one that would better serve us rather then the other way around and Go KIP For Sheriff 2012 !!!

#3 Citizen on 06/26/12 at 11:07 AM [Reply]

There should be no closed meetings that only a judge can open . They represent us and we pay for it all so it should all be pen to the public in all levels of Government . We cant have a informed
citizenry with things being done in secrecy. What secrets do they have they don't want us to know .
National Security Secrets ? Perhaps they want to invoke executive privilege also. Seriously what needs to be so secret ?

#3.1 Virginia Moss on 06/29/12 at 05:46 PM [Reply]

Personnel matters for one. Negotiations with private companies; the final agreement, of course, is public. There are probably other things as well that make sense.

#3.2 Jack Fletcher on 06/30/12 at 09:45 AM [Reply]

I agree with Citizen on 06/26/12.
Why is there any need for secrecy in a county government or any level of government period with the exception of secrets vital to our national defense ? Sometimes even that should be in question ? I want to know whats going on so I can make an informed decision about my community and its state of affairs of my county ,state and country. How else can I make a good sound rational decision on who I want to vote in or out. Good Post!!!

#4 Virginia Moss on 06/29/12 at 05:50 PM [Reply]

Wow! Now we know it wasn't Bush's fault after all. I'm the one who caused all this misery! LOL

#4.1 Freedom Sure Isn't Free on 06/30/12 at 09:28 AM [Reply]

What is happening in this country is as much Reagan's ,Bush 1 & 2 ,Clinton's and Obama,s along with the 538 members of congress's fault and many more prior to that .
Both sides pitted against the middle and we in the middle are losing rapidly. As we continue to fight over political ideology trumped up social issues religious morals and the like the middle is quickly losing. That is us the American people.
We are now being told the we don't even have the right to decide what we can put into our own bodies . That implies to me that we are now owned by something or someone rather than being a free people.
Where even the First Ladies have the right to set policy against what we can eat ,drink ,smoke etc etc . Not even elected to office.
I have never understood this.
How is this any different than slavery people?
Where does it end ? You decide. The real blame lay with all of us for allowing government thugs to run rim shot over all of us. Had enough yet ? The real problems we face today are not from exterior forces but interior and the Patriot Act should be used against the very terrorist who use the things against us in and ever increasing assault on our freedoms and Liberties . If there truly is a GOD why has he forsaken us ? I'm am so disturbed by the bickering and fighting over politics and the lies and abuses to us all that come as a consequence of our own action or perhaps a lack of. If there is a one true God I must pray to him for our salvation because we have lost our way and only he can save us now I guess. Unless will we stand up and protect each other as he intended. "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."
(James Madison.) What happens when those same people government is designed to protect us against then become that government ? Who will protect us from them ?
As we continue to sit and do nothing and watch as our fellow countrymen and women across the entire spectrum of race, gender and age are devoured and sit by and do nothing ,who will be left to defend us when they come for us ? Don't be naive. It will happen. It has and is happening now.

#4.1.1 Virginia Moss on 06/30/12 at 05:32 PM [Reply]

When I first started reading online comments over two years ago, both here and elsewhere, there was only blind, ill-informed and ignorant bickering between two extreme factions. Popular media owns most of the responsibility for that. With this post and a few others here and elsewhere, I see a turning of the tide finally towards the middle and against the extremes. The realization that our leaders have been using us rather than representing our interests has finally dawned. Now let's get busy. There is hope for a better future if we can fix this.

#4.1.2 Ben Had on 07/01/12 at 05:12 AM [Reply]

"As we continue to fight over political ideology trumped up social issues religious morals and the like the middle is quickly losing."

Social issues and religious morals. You said it,buddy. Naive religious folks are being used by politicians, and it's costing all of us much more than just money.
Unfortunately, we're just too ignorant to do any better. You can read the evidence of that right here in this newspaper.

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