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Published For Orange Countians By Orange Countians

County Record

TheRecordlive.com

Vol. 58 No. 14

The Community Newspaper of Orange, Texas

Week of Wednesday, August 3, 2016

County opts to change insurance, retiree benefits Tommy Mann Jr. For The Record

County Commissioners endured a marathon meeting on Monday and made a few changes to employee insurance and future retiree benefits. Orange County Commissioners met in a special meeting this past Monday morning to address the county’s employee health insurance plan and to discuss options on potential benefit changes regarding future retirees of the county. According to Orange County Judge Stephen Brint Carlton, each year Commissioners Court must decide whether to renew the existing health insurance plan for county employees or to adopt a new plan. This year the county judge and commissioners reviewed the current plan, as well as seven alternative plans. “We narrowed it down to the current plan we have with

Blue Cross Blue Shield and an alternative plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield as well,” Carlton said. “The total amount was going up for the county either way, as Carlton the current plan had a higher premium for the county and employees, but the alternative plan was about $160,000 cheaper for the county.” Under the current plan, the cost for an employee and spouse would be $426 per month but under the new plan the cost would be $404 per month. A plan for the employee and family would be $758 under the current plan, while the new plan would cost an employee and family $719 per month. The current plan for county employees is a four-tier plan which allows coverage for em-

ployee only, employee and spouse, employee and children or a plan for the whole family. The new plan will be a five-tier plan. “The main difference with the new plan we approved will have an option for employee and one child and another for employee and two or more children. Many insurance plans do not differentiate between one child or two or

more children plans, so some employees could potentially see a small savings. Another change with the new plan compared to the current plan is that it has an increase of $500 to the employee deductible. Under the current plan, the employee has a $2,000 deductible per year for procedures and other qualifying events. That will now increase to $2,500 per year.

Previously, the co-pay portion under the current plan is $35 for a doctor’s visit and $45 for a specialist. The new plan increases each option by $5. The county utilizes a three tier plan for prescriptions as well, and, depending on which tier employees use, this will have an increase as well. The current plan, which expires Sept. 30, has rates of $10, $25 and $40, respectively, but

under the new plan those rates will now be $10, $30 and $50. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-2 with Commissioner David Dubose of Precinct 1 and Commissioner John Banken of Precinct 3 voting against changing insurance plans. Commissioners Court also discussed any potential chang-

CounTy Business Page 3a

Two year old saddles future in barrel racing

Bridge City could see property tax increase Tommy Mann Jr. For The Record

Property taxes could be on the rise for local property owners. The City of Bridge City held its regularly scheduled city council meeting this past Tuesday evening and voted to approve action to consider accepting the proposed ad valorem tax rate of $0.52000 per $100 valuation at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20, following two public hearings. This total tax rate consists of $0.22025 for Interest and Sinking Fund and $0.22975 for the Maintenance and Operation Fund. The proposed tax rate of $0.52000 is an increase of

“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” luke 12: 15

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more than two-cents over the current tax rate of $0.49920 per $100 valuation, which was an increase slightly more than Jones two-cents over the ad valorem tax rate in 2014. “It’s a very small increase and basically covers the cost of doing business,” said Jerry Jones, city manager of Bridge City. “It is still below the other municipalities in the county and most in the area.” According to Jones, based on a home valued at approximately $100,000, taxes would increase approximately $16 per year on average. Although the proposed tax rate is a slight increase to most residents, it will not impact those who are ages 65 and older as tax rates are frozen for those individuals. The proposed ad valorem tax rate for the city is still less than the rollback tax rate of $0.53386 per $100 valuation. In order to surpass that rate, a city would have to call for a rollback election, but Jones said there are no such plans to do so. The City of Bridge City’s proposed budget for the 20162017 fiscal year is slightly more than $8,934,000 which is an increase of $136,012 over the previous year’s budget. This year’s budget includes includes the typical increases to services which consist of electricity, fuel and insurance costs for the city’s employees. It will also help the city to cover a three percent salary increase for all city employees. “There are no increases to water, sewer or garbage,” he added. “There is actually very little change to the city budget this year compared to last year as most of the line items are

BRidge CiTy Page 2a

Future Champ Barrel Racer, two year old Easton Cox, made his breakout ride this Saturday at T2 Arena in Orange. Assisted by his mom, Jenna McCarey Cox and aunt Dusti Burcham, Easton was one of over 50 riders participating in the Texas Louisiana Barrel Racing Association Barrel Racing and Pole Bending Events. RECORD PHOTO: Lawrence Trimm

OCARC set for 29th annual fishing tourney Tommy Mann Jr. For The Record

One of the most anticipated fishing tournaments held every year in Orange County is happening this weekend. The 29th Annual OCARC Fishing Tournament happens the first Saturday of each August, and that just happens to be this Saturday, Aug. 6, at the City of Orange Boat Ramp, which is located off Simmons Drive in Orange. Entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 5. Although the majority of anglers begin fishing Saturday, the tournament actually begins at 5 p.m., Friday, and concludes at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6, with weigh-in to follow. The entry fee is $25 per per-

son for ages 16 and older. Those under the age of 16 participating in the tournament may do so free of charge, but must have an entry form on file and must be accompanied by a parent or other adult registered in the tournament. A total of 32 cash prizes will be available in 12 categories. First place payout is $250 in the Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder and Bass categories, with payouts of $100 and $50 for second and third place, respectively. In the White Perch, “Sarge’s” Catfish, Croaker, Black Drum, Sunfish (perch) and “Janae Borel” Grinnel categories, top prize is $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25

oCaRC Page 2a

The clients of OCARC pose for a photo wearing their new shirts and hats promoting the 29th Annual OCARC Fishing Tournament, which will be held Saturday, Aug. 6 at the City of Orange Boat Ramp in Orange. Entry fee is $25 per person with prizes available in 12 categories.


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