Logan County’s Board of Commissioners on Monday approved a resolution establishing 2027 employee insurance benefits, helping offset a spike in premiums.
“We got our budget numbers,” County Clerk Troy Cole said.
“As I think everyone’s been notified, Health Choice Premium is going to increase $111 for the Health Choice High Option policies effective January 1. I was asked to put this resolution on considering the current employee allowance is $700. This resolution I was asked to put on would take it to $800 per month.”
District 3 Commissioner Monty Piearcy said he asked for the agenda item.
“I asked to put this on there. I think $100 a month hit on the employees is tough and I would like to try to help them pay for their health insurance,” he said.
In other matters: * Commissioners approved bids for the Logan County Health Department renovations, and approved an agreement with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management for a Technology Solutions-Storm Shelter Registration mapping software grant in the amount of $6,000 with a $3,000 county match.
* Also approved was a FY 2026-2027 agreement with Entero Services LLC for drug testing services; a resolution accepting a $5,000 donation from Eskridge Chevrolet to the Sheriff’s Office for general purposes; and a contract with MA+ Architecture, LLC for the courthouse renovation project.
Kutay honored for service
Deputy Tom Kutay was also recognized for his more than 28 years of service to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. He is retiring from full-time status with the Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff Damon Deveraux thanked Kutay for his service.
“I was sitting there last night after Tom did his sign-off and (thought about) the 28 years of not just citizens that you’ve touched and helped, but the deputies that have come through, what, maybe 1,000 since you’ve been on,” Deveraux said.
“I mean, really, when you think about the numbers, probably 1,000 people that you’ve had the opportunity to mentor, to train, to give them wisdom, to critique, to make them better served to the people.And in your pass-on that you did, you hit the nail home when you said that ‘This job is more than just the badge and the gun and arresting people. It’s about the service that we provide.’ “ Deveraux added, “And I hope that all of you take what he said to heart because at the end of the day we are a service organization that’s here to help people, number one. Yes, taking people to jail and all that stuff is a part of it, but our job is to help them as much as we can. Tom’s been a great leader in that.”
Kutay will transition into the reserve division and oversee the kids at Cotteral Elementary.
“And I know they love you there and can’t wait to see you there full time,” Deveraux said.
Kutay was presented with a plaque recognizing his service tenure, as well as a watch and a golf membership at Cedar Valley Golf Course.
“Thank you, guys, for coming,” Kutay said to his fellow deputies and those in attendance. “It means a lot to me to have all you here.”