The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 to increase the county's per-pay-period contribution to its self-funded health insurance fund by 20%, effective Dec. 1, 2025. The action, introduced as Item 5 from board administration, was presented as a response to fiscal-year 2025 transfers and projected shortfalls.

According to the agenda, the county transferred $725,000 in fiscal 2025 from the general supplement fund to the self health insurance fund to meet Iowa Code minimum levels. Staff cited current estimated shortfalls ranging from about $460,000 to more than $1 million and recommended incremental increases to avoid a single large payment at the end of the fiscal year.

Board members said staff and county administration discussed a strategy of smaller, regular increases so that any overestimate would create a modest cushion and any shortfall would be less drastic at year-end. The agenda text attributed the recommendation to Ryan Erickson of board administration.

Members of the board and human resources staff discussed how the change interacts with previously approved increases. Melissa Thomas of human resources asked whether a 6.5% increase already approved to take effect Jan. 1 would be additive; staff clarified the proposed 20% increase to the county contribution is in addition to the previously approved change. The board also noted retiree and COBRA rates will follow actuarial recommendations provided by Wheelmark and therefore could differ from the county's employer contribution.

Board member Bittinger moved to approve the measure; Nelson seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 4-0.

Next steps: staff will implement the increased contribution beginning Dec. 1, 2025, and the board said it will review fund status during the budget process and again in June, consistent with the presentation.