CUSTER COUNTY – Health insurance costs, juvenile services and a proposed road reclassification were among the topics discussed during the Custer County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Health Insurance
With the end of the year approaching, supervisors heard an update from Dustin Will of Benefit Management regarding the county’s employee health insurance coverage.
Will reviewed information through October 2026, including insurance costs, employee use of services and total claims. He also presented projections for 2027 under the county’s current Medica plan, along with options available through other insurance providers.
Will acknowledged the increase in claims but said fluctuations are a normal part of providing health insurance and do not mean the county made the wrong decision in changing providers. He also pointed to the county’s decision to pay extra to offer employees a deductible option of $500, describing it as a generous benefit that fewer employers continue to offer.
No final decision was made. Supervisors will hear a competing proposal from NACO at their next meeting before making a decision on coverage for the coming year.
Healing Hearts and Families
Supervisors also heard an annual proposal from a representative of Healing Hearts and Families regarding a memorandum of understanding for fiscal years 2027-28.
The program has assisted 62 youth so far this year. Under the proposed agreement, Custer County would work with Blaine, Dawson, Gosper, Garfield, Greeley, Hooker, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Thomas and Valley counties under the leadership of Healing Hearts and Families.
Healing Hearts and Families is a non-profit organization located in Broken Bow, dedicated to eliminating domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Other Items
Custer County Livestock Systems Extension Educator Troy Walz recommended appointing Sarah Blakeman to the District 1 Extension Board seat currently held by Tabbi Seevers. Seevers is reaching the end of her second consecutive term, the maximum allowed on the county extension board.
Supervisors also heard a request from Kilfoil Township representative Adam to reclassify Road 432 from a minimum maintenance road to a gravel road due to increased traffic.
Custer County Attorney Steven Bowers recommended the township submit a detailed proposal outlining the planned improvements and specifications for the road. Those details should include the proposed surface condition, speed limit and other requirements associated with the reclassification.
