The Bradley County Commission on Monday passed a motion that allows County Mayor Gary Davis to sign a one-year contract with Cigna Insurance for county employees.
The county previously was in contract with BlueCross BlueShield.
Commissioner Charlotte Peak said, "The concerns from a few of the employees is that they're going to have to change doctors again and they're wondering why we're going to keep flip-flopping."
However, County Mayor Davis said, "Five years is not flip-flopping." He said that at the time the last contract was put out, bids were taken and BlueCross had the lowest bid.
He called the plan one of the "richest" in the area. He also said none of the benefits will change.
The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Terry Caywood was absent.
Another motion was passed that authorized the county attorney to determine if the hospital funds currently held in the Trustee's Office are idle funds.
A resolution also passed that appointed judicial commissioners.
Another motion passed against providing stray animal pickup in the county.
Commissioner Dan Rawls also stepped out to make a statement as a citizen rather than as a commissioner when communication from the audience was opened.
He said, "Political correctness has come forward and has squashed discussion and dissent in many areas...I heard some people using the term conspiracy theorists in reference to someone who was speaking in front of the commission. I was extremely offended by that."
He continued, "We should be able to discuss any item, to discuss anything in society no matter what it is and to discuss it in an amicable way."