County Administrator Danzel read outgoing correspondence at the Dec. 3 meeting notifying the county's risk pool of Franklin County's intent to withdraw effective Dec. 3, 2026, after a 55% increase in the county's annual premium.

"The 55% increase in our premium totaling nearly $700,000 has forced the county to make severe and immediate adjustments to our operational budget," Danzel read. The notice says the county appreciates the pool's historical partnership but must "explore all available alternatives to manage this extreme cost increase." It also confirms the county will comply with the pool's one-year notice procedures and seeks guidance on next steps.

Commissioners and staff said the spike complicates a tight budgeting environment. The chair noted neighboring counties saw similar or higher rate increases, and the board directed staff to "shop around" for other options during the coming year.

Danzel told the board he had been asked to prepare the letter because the county had received the premium increase notice shortly before Thanksgiving and needed to respond to preserve the county's fiscal options. The correspondence was presented for signatures; no formal vote was required to transmit the notice.

The correspondence also included other outgoing items read for the record: a planned interlocal agreement with Martin Hall for juvenile housing and a condolence letter to the mayor of Cullodas. The risk-pool notice is likely to affect departmental budgets and staffing plans, as the administrator's remarks linked the premium jump to recent budget cuts and staff reductions by attrition.