Cape Girardeau County Commission votes to accept benefit brokering proposal

The Cape Girardeau County Commission accepted a proposal for benefit broker services to assist in review, placement and support of the county's group health, dental, vision and long-term disability insurance.

After reviewing all six proposals and checking company references, Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers and the county's health insurance committee recommended

Marathon Benefits Group of Cape Girardeau.

The proposal will provide services to the county for $18,000 a year for two years. Fees for the third year could increase but would not exceed $21,000.

In a memo to the commission, Clark Summers said cost, service and knowledge were the three elements used in selecting the proposal. She said the company has worked for the county in the past and has provided fast and efficient service. She also said Marathon's overall fee was lower than the other five companies that submitted proposals.

At Monday's commission meeting Clark Summers said having a benefit broker will help the county better negotiate benefits for employees, and would also provide benefits to meet the county's specific needs.

Other business

• A contract with Koeh­ler Engineering was approved for a bridge project on County Road

233.

• Kevin Smith was appointed to the the Cape Girardeau County Common Sewer District Board until June 30, 2012. Commissioner Paul Koeper said he knew Smith and he would be a good appointment to the board.
• Proposals for grant writing and professional administrative services regarding the Southeast Missouri Port Authority community block grant were opened, but a decision was deferred pending more information. Due to time constraints, the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission has already submitted the grant application, but a decision will be made to determine who will administer the grant if it is

awarded.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

243-8600

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