2005 News

June 10, 2005
Commissioners Announce BEST Committee Saves $1 Million

Today, Bucks County Commissioners Chairman Charles Martin, James F. Cawley and Sandra A. Miller announced the efforts of the BEST (Bucks Employees Saving Taxes) Steering Committee have already begun paying dividends.

BEST is primarily tasked with making suggestions to increase efficiency, improve customer service and control the cost of government.

This fall, the county will eliminate its Blue Cross/Blue Shield Traditional Indemnity Health Plan and offer in its place other equivalent but less-costly plans as an alternative for the over 350 employees currently enrolled.

Faced with a renewal rates increase of 37 percent, translating to over $1 million in new costs, Chief Operating Officer David Sanko presented the committee's recommendation to the commissioners. "Our concerns were two-fold," Sanko said. "First and foremost, we absolutely want to ensure our employees and their families continue to receive high-quality health insurance, and at the same time, we are cognizant that we are accountable for prudent spending choices. This option addresses both."

With just three meetings behind them, Chairman Martin is optimistic. "This committee has rolled up their sleeves and taken action to save our taxpayers money. I look forward to reviewing more of their recommendations as we aim to contain costs and increase efficiencies."

Committee Chair and Finance Director Brian Hessenthaler shares Martin's optimism. "There is a high level of energy and enthusiasm in the group," he noted. "They know everything is on the table, and that has allowed the ideas to really begin flowing."

The county commissioners announced the formation of the BEST Steering Committee in April 2005. The internal working group is comprised of Finance Director Brian Hessenthaler, Chair, Emergency Services Director John Dougherty, Courts' Fiscal Analyst Jim Fowkes, Prothonotary Pat Bachtle, Public Health Administrator Gordian Ehrlacher, Deputy Controller Kim Doran and Quality Assurance Administrator Richard Manna.