Construction Quality and Insurance Rates Addressed by County Board

Montgomery County Board Meeting | October 14, 2025

Article Summary: Following a builder’s complaint about workmanship at the new Highway Department facility, officials assured the public that final payments are on hold until all issues are resolved. The board also approved a health insurance renewal with a 7.67% premium increase.

Highway Building and Insurance Key Points:

• Construction Complaints: A local builder cited issues with concrete, electrical work, and windows at the new Highway Department building.

• County Response: Officials stated final payment will not be issued until punch list items are corrected.

• Insurance Rates: Health insurance premiums will rise by 7.67% for FY2026.

The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, addressed concerns regarding the construction quality of the new Highway Department building and finalized health insurance plans for the upcoming fiscal year.

During the public comment period, Dean Lessman, owner of ProBilt Buildings in Hillsboro, expressed concerns regarding the quality of work at the nearly completed Highway Department facility. Lessman cited specific examples of work he believed did not meet specifications and criticized the use of out-of-county crews for concrete and electrical work.

Later in the meeting, Roads & Bridges Committee Chairman Ethan Murzynski addressed the complaints. Murzynski confirmed that industrial-sized overhead doors have been installed, but noted that several windows broken during installation are being replaced. He assured the board that he and County Engineer Cody Greenwood would address every issue raised by Lessman. Greenwood added that final payment for the project will not be issued until work on the punch list is completed.

In personnel matters, the board approved a health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield for FY2026. Committee Chair Chad Ruppert reported that the county faced a potential 9.86% increase due to a high loss ratio of 1.46. However, by bundling the plan with current vision and dental options, the increase was reduced to 7.67%. The approved plan maintains the current $1,500 deductible on two of the four county plans.