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   FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP— Cass County Administrator Josh Stevenson presented the County Board with a report from its Insurance Committee during the county’s final road show meeting in Fairview Township on Tues., Sept. 15, outlining proposed changes to employee and retiree health insurance for 2027.

   After considerable discussion about the three plan options, including costs to employees and taxpayers, health savings account contributions and the long-term impact of the plans, the board approved Option 3. Stevenson said county staff and its insurance consultant, USI, recommended the option as a way to reduce overall insurance costs while maintaining good coverage.

   Option 3 increases the high-deductible plan from $3,400 to $3,500 to meet IRS requirements and adds a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan for eligible retirees age 65 and older who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. It was noted, at least 10 eligible retirees must enroll for the plan to be offered. Stevenson said the Medicare Advantage plan would reduce costs for eligible retirees while also removing those claims from the county’s primary health plans.

   The proposal also adds a Healia’s Total Care spousal incentive health reimbursement arrangement, or SIHRA, providing eligible employees with up to $12,000 annually for qualifying medical expenses when a spouse has other health insurance. The county will also begin preparations for an incentivized preventative health screening program for 2028. Employees participating in the program could receive a lower premium or increased county contribution.

   Stevenson said the changes are intended to reduce claims and help control future insurance costs for employees, retirees and county taxpayers. Option 3 does require approval from the applicable collective bargaining unit. If an agreement is not reached, the county will move forward with Option 1.

   Other than a 7% increase in dental insurance, the county’s ancillary insurance benefits will remain unchanged. UMR, UnitedHealthcare and SmithRx will continue in their current roles, with no changes to the health plan’s provider network or covered services.

   Britt Poser, Development Officer with the Initiative Foundation, presented an update on the organization’s work throughout the county and region. Poser said the Initiative Foundation has been working across 14 Minnesota counties since 1986 to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a culture of generosity. The foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

   Poser reported that since its inception, the Initiative Foundation and its partner funds have provided 819 grants totaling $5.7 million in Cass County. The grants support nonprofits through the foundation’s endowment, external funding partnerships and charitable funds. One recent example is a 2025 Joint Connection grant awarded to Cass Lake-Bena Public Schools to support its Saturday Night Live program, which provides meals, activities and a safe gathering place for families twice a month.

   The foundation has also partnered on 64 loans totaling $4.3 million in Cass County. Poser highlighted Northern Dreams Gymnastics in Cass Lake as a recent investment, with the foundation providing a significant loan to help the program move into a remodeled facility. The larger facility provides space for the gymnastics program, which serves both Native and non-Native youth.

   Poser also highlighted several recent projects, including a $15,000 grant to the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance in Hackensack to expand renewable energy work and hands-on workforce training, and a $10,000 grant to Hackensack Game Changers for energy audits and assessments for 76 homes. The foundation has also partnered with Leech Lake Tribal College on clean energy workforce opportunities.

   Poser said the foundation’s partnerships help bring outside dollars back into the region. According to the foundation’s figures, for every local dollar contributed, approximately $4.91 is invested back into Cass County. 

   Brian Buhmann, Health, Human and Veterans Services director, presented the 2026-27 Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response with Probation Director Jim Schneider and County Attorney Ben Lindstrom also participating in the discussion. Buhmann said the collaborative effort is designed to identify absenteeism early and provide services to help keep students in school and receiving their education.

   Lindstrom said there are no major changes to the updated response, but the county continues to encourage school districts to establish attendance review boards. Social services and probation staff participate on the boards, working with school personnel and families to address attendance problems before they escalate. It was also mentioned the County Attorney’s Office wants to intervene early when statutory requirements are met, with the goal of getting students back in school rather than pursuing court action.

   The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration among school districts, county agencies, law enforcement and families in addressing truancy. Attendance review boards provide an opportunity for school officials and county staff to work together to identify attendance concerns and determine what services or interventions may help students return to school.

   Commissioners also discussed the challenges of addressing truancy among students who live in Cass County but attend schools in neighboring counties. It was stated the county will look at expanding communication and collaboration with school districts in surrounding counties through existing relationships among school superintendents.

   Commissioners also emphasized the importance of early intervention, particularly with younger students, and discussed the role of school resource officers and other trusted adults in developing relationships with students. 

   The board approved the 2026-27 Truancy Intervention Collaborative Response, continuing the county’s collaborative approach to addressing school absenteeism.

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the board room in the courthouse annex in Walker and commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus.

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