Rich County Commission

Bobbie Bicknell Coray, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

RANDOLPH, Utah.  November 4, 2015. Hoffman Insurance representative, Dan Hoffman said that the cost of the group medical insurance would be going up 2.5% with an increase in out of pocket maximum.  The out of pocket will go from $4,000 to $5,000 per individual and $8,000 to $10,000.  Emergency room deductible will go from $250 to $350.  However, the county is paying less than they did a few years ago.  There are no  increases in dental and life insurance.  The county paid $426,990 for the group insurance.

Reed Ernstrom, Bear River Mental Health Director, discussed the BRMH area plan.  Much will be the same as last year.   There is a mental health court in Cache County and a new one in  Box Elder County which they believe will help in getting the correct treatment to offenders rather than increase the prison population .  The Justice Reinvestment Investment  is aimed at reducing incarceration for non violent offenders and opting for treatment instead.   They have received $50,000 from that program.

Ernstrom  said that he appreciated having Commissioner Cox on the board  and said that he was a steadying hand. 

He said that they are continuing with youth consultation and education, adult peer support  and education.  The average person who suffers from mental health disease has a 25 year less life expectancy.   They will have 1.5 counselors for Rich County schools.  BRMH is trying to address the growing need by having two individuals, one full time and one part time.  The commissioners approved the plan.

Bret Argyle, Rich County Fair Director, asked the commission for a budget and a line item in the budget, because if they had their own budget they could plan for the next year.  They could also contract with rodeo providers earlier.   They have $7,000 in the bank now with some donations still to come.

Argyle said that Woodruff and Laketown might be interested in a Rodeo Series a for locals and he is meeting with them.  He would like to have new concession stands, for which he believes that Mitch Poulsen, Bear Lake Regional Commission, can find grants. 

They spent $36,000 on the five day fair.   Many donations helped too, which meant that less money was spent this year.  The breakdown of funding is $10,000 county,10,000 cash donations, and in-kind donations as well as ticket sales from the rodeo and other events.