Please note: All agenda items are considered PASSED unless indicated otherwise.

OPEN SESSION: 

PRESENTATIONS
1. Consider and take necessary action concerning the Smith County Health Plan, including but not limited to receiving the annual performance review of the Plan from Brinson Benefits and recommendations concerning related health care matters, contracts, agreements; and authorize the county judge to sign all related documentation.

Comments:

Over the past few years, the cost of employee healthcare has been climbing steadily, putting a growing strain on our budget. From October 2022 to September 2023, total paid claims reached $10.2 million, with 29 large claimants (those with claims over $56,250) making up 25% of specific claims, and prescription costs averaging $273 per employee per month. The next year, from October 2023 to September 2024, total paid claims jumped to $13.6 million, a significant increase, with 38 large claimants still accounting for 25% of specific claims, and prescription costs rising to $356 per employee per month. For the first half of the current period, October 2024 to March 2025, paid claims already hit $8.3 million—projected to reach $16.6 million for the full year—while large claimants remain at 25% of specific claims, and prescription costs edged up to $361 per employee per month. Claims have also exceeded expectations, hitting 124.4% of expected claims and nearly maxing out at 99.5% of maximum claims in this latest period, highlighting how rising healthcare costs, especially from large claims and prescriptions, are driving up expenses for our employee healthcare plan.

Brinson Benefits recommended some changes for our healthcare plan to help reduce costs.

1. Plan Design

• ER Visits: 1,327 visits with an average cost of $1,261 per visit, contributing significantly to the total plan cost.
  • Change: Add $500 copay for ER visits to address high utilization.
    • Savings: Approximately $663,500.
• Dental Plan Administration
  • Change: Adjust dental contributions to $20 per tier.
    • Savings: Approximately $251,760.
• Telemedicine
  • Change: Continue with Lyric, reduce cost from $7.50 to $6.00 per employee per month by removing Behavioral Health (telehealth) benefits.
    • Savings: Approximately $17,154.
• Dependent Audit
  • Change: Implement audit through Stealth to protect eligibility rules, cost $11,407.
    • Savings: Projected between $17,391 and $121,737.
• Total Potential Savings: $949,805–$1,054,151

COURT ORDERS
 
COMMISSIONERS COURT
2. Consider and take necessary action to approve the proposed revision to the Andrews Center Bylaws.
 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
3. Consider and take necessary action to approve a contract with Codex Corporation doing business as, Guardian RFID, utilizing the Buyboard Contract #669-22 for an upgrade of the Guardian System for Jail Operations, resulting in an annual increase of $21,147, bringing the total annual cost to $89,642 (originally $68,495).

Comments: 

Guardian RFID is a mobile inmate tracking and guard tour system. This system is designed to help jail staff conduct and document isolation cell checks as required by the Jail Commission, ensuring compliance, accountability, and safety.
 
Officers use a handheld scanner to scan barcodes placed on or near isolation cell doors. Each scan captures key data, including the date, time, and location of the check. The Guardian handheld device logs this information in real-time, eliminating reliance on paper logs, which can be prone to errors, falsification, or loss. The collected data syncs to software and is stored securely. This software generates reports that detail the timing and frequency of checks, ensuring compliance with Texas Jail Standards—such as checking isolation cells every 30 or 60 minutes. This is an upgrade that gives them enhanced functions, features, and reports. The current cost was a recurring cost in the IT Budget. The increase is for the additional upgrade of $21,147 and was included in the FY25 budget. The total annual cost is $89,642.

EAST TEXAS AUTO THEFT TASK FORCE
4. Consider and take necessary action to approve the 2026 SB224 Motor Vehicle Crimes Prevention Authority (MVCPA) Catalytic Converter Program Grant application, in the amount of $35,400, with a cash match from Smith County of $1,475, for the benefit of the East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and authorize the county judge to sign all necessary documentation.

Comments: 

This is a grant match item for the Motor Vehicle Crimes Prevention Authority Catalytic Converter Program.  Smith County’s portion is $1,475.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE
5. Consider and take necessary action to approve a service agreement with Tech Friends for technology services at the Smith County Jail.

Comments: 

Judge passed on this item noting that it will be on next week’s agenda.

RECURRING BUSINESS
 
ROAD AND BRIDGE
6. Consider and take necessary action to authorize the county judge to sign the:
a. Final Plat for Randall Welsh Subdivision Phase 3, Precinct 3, and
b. Final Plat for Cole, Prewitt and Rudisill Addition Unit 2, Precinct 1.
 
AUDITOR’S OFFICE
7. Receive monthly Auditor report and Executive Summary for April 2025.
 
8. Consider and take necessary action to approve and/or ratify payment of accounts, bills, payroll, transfer of funds, amendments, and health claims.
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION: For purposes permitted by Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, entitled Open Meetings, Sections 55 l.071, 55 l.072, 551.073, 551.074, 551.0745, 551.075, and 551.076. The Commissioners Court reserves the right to exercise its discretion and may convene in executive session as authorized by the Texas Government Code, Section 551.071, et seq., on any of the items listed on its formal or briefing agendas.
551.071 – CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY
 
9. Deliberation and consultation with attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation, TAC LE20242007-1.

ADJOURN