Employee health insurance crisis averted

Ten months ago, the Pine Knot News reported on concerns Carlton County officials expressed about the potential for runaway health care costs for county employees starting in 2025.

A high number of claims had forced the county to use 5- and 10.5-percent caps on premiums in 2023 and 2024, with the county facing an uncapped future.

At risk was a higher tax levy and the hard decisions that could have resulted from trying to contain other costs.

But based on what transpired Aug. 13 during the county board meeting in Cloquet, it’s safe to say, “Crisis averted.” At least for now.

The board unanimousl...