County Board Workshop May 19th, 2026

The Scott County Board Workshop held on May 19, 2026, focused primarily on two major procurement-related topics: the county's health insurance renewal and the potential participation in the SCALE insurance pool. The board discussed a short-term health insurance renewal with a recommended 3% rate increase for a four-month period, impacting county costs by approximately $175,000. They also deliberated extensively on the SCALE insurance pool's governance, particularly the challenges around weighted voting structures and legal compliance with Department of Commerce rules. The discussion included the need for legislative changes to enable weighted voting, the establishment of joint powers agreements (JPA) and bylaws, and the process for selecting service providers through RFPs. The board emphasized the importance of clear direction on whether to proceed with joining the pool, contingent on resolving the weighted voting issue. Additionally, the workshop reviewed nonprofit partnerships and contracts, highlighting the need for better accountability, clearer presentation of nonprofit roles, and early budget planning for 2027. The board expressed interest in continuing to evaluate these partnerships to ensure effective stewardship of funds and alignment with county strategic goals.