The Dallas County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday.

At the meeting, the Board approved payroll change notices for the conservation department, attorney’s office and sheriff’s office

Representatives from Holmes Murphy and Associates then presented health plan renewal information to the Board.  Operations Administrator Connie Kinnard expressed concern in the life insurance benefit decreasing once an employee hits 65 years of age.  As someone who fits in that bracket, Kinnard called it age discrimination and said it does not leave any sort of incentive for staff to stay with the County once they hit that age.  Human Resources Director Erin Freeman said the proposed plan is the same as what the County currently offers, which Kinnard was not aware of.  In regards to health insurance, the County is currently under what the underwriter expected claims to be by four percent.  However, claims are up this year compared to the last two years.  Jail administrator Doug Lande then asked if the County has ever looked at an early retirement policy since the County has been over the expected claims factor in past years.  It is not something they have offered but could look into it as an option. No formal action was taken on the item.

Drainage district six was then discussed.  Engineer Jim George said he asked the previous low bidder, Cole Construction if they would be able to lower their bid as it was significantly over the initial estimate.  Cole said they could lower it about $20,000 to $545,000, which George says is still very high.  He recommended the Board reject that bid and go back to Elder Construction, who was the low bidder the second time the County went out for bid, and ask if they are interested in the project, and at what price point. The Board asked George to come forward with a recommendation on how to move forward at next week’s meeting.

A public hearing in regards to the completed construction report for drainage district number 19 was then set for May 12th at 9:30am.

Next the Board reviewed the second budget amendment.  A public hearing to discuss the amendment has been scheduled for May 26th at 9:30am.

A facilities and department space needs update was then shared by architect Jerry Purdy.  He went through a review of downtown sites that were previously explored as options for a new County buildings.  Purdy said the goal is still to keep the 25 year plan in mind as far as being able to expand and handle potential growth in the County.  He then looked at options to reevaluate current buildings, since some space will be freed up due to the new human services campus.  Overall however, he does not think this fits a 25 year plan by not being able to expand.  Several options for administrative offices downtown were laid out for the Board, assuming the jail and law enforcement center referendum passes in August and a new facility is built outside of downtown.  Purdy said it costs more to build downtown than it would at the river site that was previously proposed.  Supervisor Kim Chapman questioned why they would consider keeping the offices downtown if it’s going to come at a higher price tag.  Board Chair Brad Golightly agreed and added that without room to expand it doesn’t seem like a productive option.  No action was taken on the subject.

Change order eleven for the human services campus renovation project was then approved.  This adds more beams and supports at a cost of $8,772.  So far the total cost of the project is at $3,152,289, up from the $3,025,000 initially approved in December.

Next the Board discussed progress at the human services campus.  County facilities manager Eric Rose asked if the Board wanted to approve new furniture purchases out of department budgets for the new offices.  The Board said department heads can move forward with their needs, within budget.

The Board then discussed plans to fill the County Engineer vacancy, which will exist after August 14th, when current Engineer Jim George retires from the position.  A group of people, chosen by the Board and human resources department, will form a hiring committee and interview board to screen candidates.  The first round of interviews will tentatively start in early June.  So far, Freeman says three people have submitted applications for the job and there are a few weeks left before they close the application window.