The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on January 10, 2005, with Chairman Mary Lou Peterson, Commissioner Andrew Lampe, Commissioner Don Hover and Brenda Crowell, Clerk of the Board present.

Discussion – Budget Carryover - Commissioners
Dan Powers and Bob Gorski

Dan Powers presented his recommendations for allocating the unanticipated budget carryover. Commissioner Peterson asked that Dan bring back the corrected longevity pay figures before the Board makes a decision. The Commissioners would like to hold off on the carpeting of the courthouse until they have had an opportunity to look at the existing carpet. Dan will come back with new figures.

Discussion – Staff Shortages - Building
Bob Gorski explained that his department will need additional help this year given the with the anticipated development in the north part of the county. The projected building permit revenue from the Mine and Legends Resort would cover the additional costs. Commissioner Hover asked if it would be advantageous to contract for additional help. Bob explained that his department is currently down 2 employees.

Discussion – Property Insurance – Korach & Wilson
Bob Wilson presented an outline of the county’s property insurance coverage including premium costs. He explained that there is a limit on fine arts. Commissioner Peterson asked if there is a definition of "fine arts" in the policy. He reported a $9,000 savings with an additional $4200 for this year for changing the contract term period from January to December. He recommends adding coverage for pressurized systems? The Board also needs to make a decisions on terrorism coverage, whether to contract with Keep Korach & Wilson, and if the the policy coverage period should be changed. He would like the Board to make decision by next week. The total premium is $80,227.

Discussion – VEBA Accounts – Rich Dickman
Rich Dickman stated that VEBA (Volunteer Employee Benefit Account) is a 501c9 that allows for tax free contributions going in and comes out tax free for qualified uses. Funds can be carried over year to year. The VEBA accounts work the best for retiree health care. The program is a multi-state trust with Oregon and Idaho and is Limited to public services industries. IRS calls this the Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) It takes about a week to get the money out of the trust. In regards to returns on the investment it depends upon which investment option is decided upon.

Resolution 3-2005 – VEBA Account –
Commissioner Lampe moved to adopt Resolution 3-2005, VEBA Account. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Agreement – Employer Adoption Agreement – VEBA Trust
Commissioner Hover moved to approve VEBA Agreement to establish an employee benefit plan. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)

Resolution 2-2005 – Mileage Reimbursement – Commissioners
Commissioner Hover moved to approve Resolution 2-2005, county mileage reimbursement. Motion was seconded and carried. (attached)