County employees are struggling to pay for health insurance.

At the county Budget and Finance Committee meeting, Sheriff Tommy Myers attended to discuss his budget for next year. While discussing his budget, Myers expressed his concerns about his officers not being able to afford insurance and quitting because of it. 

“So you guys know, in the last two weeks I have lost two certified officers who have more than 10 years of experience and I will tell you it is not so much there are several counties touching our borders that are paying more per hour now, but it’s our insurance. These officers can’t provide insurance for their families so they are leaving. I had two just to go to Bridgestone because of that last week,” said Myers.

He also said many officers are finding better, more affordable insurance at McMinnville Police Department.

“It has been that way for years. When our officers can go to the city police department here in McMinnville and get family coverage for less than $300 and the county is what, $1,200? I mean,” said Myers.

“There are different family options. Justin you have one and you pay like $400 a month,” said Commissioner Cole Taylor.

“I only pay for my kids, but I don’t pay for my wife,” said Justin Cotten who also mentioned spouses cost more. 

“I’d like to know what you’re doing because I am paying about $900 a month myself right now,” said Myers.

Cotten added that the county insurance options are a lot better than private insurance, but they are currently nowhere near what job market competitors offer. 

“The city also doesn’t have a school system and a jail,” said Commissioner Tommy Savage.

“But they have officers,” said Myers.

Pay raises and insurance are scheduled to be discussed at a different time.