This Tuesday the Gaston County commissioners voted unanimously to give themselves and future commissioners health insurance benefits for life after serving one term at the taxpayer’s expense. This decision comes at a very hard time for the county because they are struggling to pay the cost of health insurance for its full-time employees. The county spends about $10 million in health insurance a year, and that is expected to increase by 10 percent, or $1.2 million.

After protests, emails, phone calls, and multiple angry posts to commissioner’s facebook profiles, they have decided to change their decision.  BUT not entirely.  The chair of the Gaston County Commission,  Tracy Philbeck, posted this comment yesterday:

A special note to the citizens of Gaston County and Media:

Courageous Leaders Don’t Make Excuses…They Apologize I read this statement this morning and in light of recent events it caused me to pause.

First, I want to apologize to the citizens of Gaston County, my friends, and family. The resolution that was passed by the commission was not intended for commissioners to make money or have special treatment. However it is obvious that is how it is perceived. I believe everything rises and falls on leadership. I take full responsibility as Chairman of the Gaston County Commission. I have called a special meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 9:30 AM to not only address this issue but fix it. I plan to amend the resolution to make commissioners eligible after 10 years not 4 which is provided by State Statue. I also plan to amend the resolution to read that if a commissioners chooses to purchase the health insurance they can do so only at the full cost and no taxpayer monies at all will be used to subsidize the cost. In other words they pay full cost and the taxpayer pays nothing. I think this is reasonable.

I have heard you loud and clear and plan to fix this issue. I thank you for your time and consideration. I sincerely apologize for my actions.

Earlier today he posted the draft of the new resolution.  He said it will be voted on next Tuesday at 9:30am because it was the earliest time they would have a quorum.

RESOLUTION TITLE: TO RESCIND RESOLUTION 2015-117 – A RESOLUTION TO ALLOW GASTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO PURCHASE, AT THEIR OWN COST, HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AFTER THEY LEAVE OFFICE

WHEREAS, at its regular session of April 28, 2015, the Gaston County Board of Commissioners adopted resolution 2015-117 “A resolution to allow Gaston County commissioners to purchase, at their own cost, health insurance coverage after they leave office.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Gaston County Board of Commissioners hereby rescinds Resolution 2015-117, adopted April 28, 2015.

I still don’t think commissioners should have special treatment over other county employees.  But at least they have realized they are out of touch with reality and this was not a good decision, regardless of their logic.