May 27th Budget Work Session

The Carroll County, Georgia budget work session held on May 27th focused primarily on several procurement and budget-related topics. Key discussions included a proposal to convert a part-time court intake position to full-time to handle increasing civil and dispossessory case loads, with budget implications of approximately $47,000 including benefits. The session also covered the county's property and casualty insurance renewal options, comparing incumbent Liberty Mutual with a new carrier, Obsidian, highlighting differences in deductibles, premiums, and third-party administrator fees. Liberty Mutual was tentatively included in the upcoming budget with a $50,000 deductible. Additionally, the county reviewed employee benefit plans, particularly medical insurance renewal options with Sigma and potential cost-saving measures such as removing coverage for weight loss drugs, which currently cost about $700,000 annually, and switching telemedicine providers to reduce expenses by $28,000. Lastly, updates on waste management contracts were provided, including negotiated pricing with GFL and plans to solicit bids for construction of a new building in June. No formal votes were taken during the session, but several items were incorporated into the budget for future approval.