Marshall County Commissioners approve insurance consulting agreement after debate over alternative options

The Marshall County Commissioners unanimously approved the Gibson Insurance Consulting Agreement for 2026 employee benefits last week, following a lengthy discussion about exploring alternative insurance consultants.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon indicated he and others have been researching other insurance consulting options, noting that two council members had requested the board not approve the Gibson agreement. However, concerns about timing and potential disruptions to employee coverage ultimately influenced the decision.

Commissioner Adam Faulstich acknowledged the ongoing dialogue between the council and commissioners regarding health insurance matters, questioning what consequences might arise if the contract wasn't approved.

Commissioner Stan Klotz expressed worry about the timing of any potential change. "I'm afraid we will be left out in the cold. We are the government, and we don't move fast, and I'm afraid we could have a problem come January first," Klotz said.

While not opposed to exploring alternatives, Klotz suggested that Gibson Insurance should be contacted and informed if the county is considering a change. Bohannon noted the contract requires 120 days' notice for termination.

County Auditor Angie Birchmeier explained Gibson's role in handling insurance provider issues on behalf of the county, relieving the Auditor's Office and Human Resources from making direct vendor calls.

Birchmeier pointed out that the county has already conducted open enrollment under the current contract and stressed the importance of involving HR and the Auditor's office in any future discussions about changing consultants.

"It's the commissioner's program, but you aren't administering it; we are," Birchmeier said. "If we don't know what you are doing and you throw it on us at the last minute, things are going to fall through the cracks, and employees are going to miss out on some opportunities."

The auditor suggested approving the current agreement while beginning the search for alternatives, ensuring a smooth transition. She also noted that her office and HR would be willing to redirect all employee insurance calls directly to the commissioners if they chose to handle those matters themselves.

Following the discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Gibson Insurance Agreement for 2026 Employee Benefits.