The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Henderson County Board convened Tuesday, November 4th at the Henderson County Courthouse, tackling a full agenda that included rising healthcare expenses, ambulance service upgrades, personnel changes, and the upcoming fiscal year budget.
Eight board members were present: Bill Knupp, Kim Gullberg, Kurt McChesney, Janet Stubbs, Brad Flatt, Jon Corzatt, Deborah Pflasterer, and Richard Bigger. Todd Miller, Patty Daniels, and Will Pruett were absent.
Health Department Transition and Personnel Notes
Carla Ewing, outgoing administrator of the Henderson County Health Department, thanked the board, Health Department, and staff for their support during the leadership transition.
Board Chairman Brad Flatt acknowledged Ewing’s resignation and praised the department’s efforts.
Ewing described her role as “a bridge to great things” and highlighted upcoming initiatives that could benefit the entire county.
In other personnel actions, the board approved travel expenses for Jayme Horner, a Sheriff’s Department employee, and passed a highway resolution with no discussion. No zoning resolutions or variances were presented.
Deep Dive into Rising Healthcare Costs
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the county’s employee healthcare plan, presented by Keith Krohe of Crossroads Insurance.
Krohe reported that the plan is running 6% above projected claims this year, driven by higher utilization and inflationary pressures on medical costs.
Through the first ten months, claims totaled $244,151, nearly 47% higher than the $166,000 recorded in the same period last year. Total plan costs reached $433,000 compared to $196,000 the previous year.
Historical data underscored the long-term trend: annual plan costs rose from $221,000 in 2004 to $564,000 last year.
Krohe noted that three of the last four months have run under expected claims, helping to moderate the yearly average.
Looking ahead, Krohe warned of marketplace individual plan increases as high as 40% and reinsurance hikes up to 25%. Mutual Medical, the county’s reinsurer, projects a more modest 6-8% increase.
To manage high-cost claims, the plan continues shifting eligible individuals to the Affordable Care Plan (ACP).
Reserves will help offset expenses, but Krohe recommended increased funding and possible adjustments to employee contributions when the plan renews November 25.
Budget, Tax Waiver, and Compensation Resolutions
The board approved a two-year property tax waiver for the Henderson County Housing Authority and set annual compensation for twenty four-year elected positions.
The proposed FY 2026 county budget and tax levy were placed on public file for inspection, with final approval scheduled before November 25.
Finance Committee chair Bill Knupp received thanks for the committee’s work.
Appointments and Ambulance Service Upgrades
Marcus Doyle was reappointed Henderson County Supervisor of Assessments for a four-year term effective this month.
Cara Harkse was appointed to the Henderson County Public Library District board, filling the vacancy left by Jennifer Painter.
Glenda Ehlen updated the board on ambulance service needs, stressing the importance of equipping all three county ambulances with identical supplies for seamless operations.
Current inventory is adequate but aging, and replacement costs are substantial. Ehlen outlined plans for grant applications and community fundraising, noting that volunteer paramedics could help stretch resources.
The board expressed support for pursuing grants and exploring fundraising options, emphasizing that updated equipment would improve patient care and potentially reduce reliance on the Burlington Fire Department responses.
Public Concern Over Dog Tag Enforcement
An Oquawka resident raised concerns about inconsistent enforcement of dog tag requirements, resulting in lost revenue for the county.
Board members acknowledged that reminders are mailed and unpaid tags are referred to State’s Attorney Kristen Petrie, but agreed that stronger enforcement is needed. The issue was noted for follow-up.
Adjournment and Next Meeting
Chairman Brad Flatt closed the meeting by thanking participants and reiterating appreciation for the Finance Committee. The board adjourned without further motions.
The next regular Henderson County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Courthouse in Oquawka.
The public is invited to attend, and the proposed FY 2026 budget and tax levy will remain on file for inspection until that date.