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Steep county health costs loom

Carlton County averted a double-digit percentage increase in its property tax levy for 2024, but it may not be so fortunate this time next year — when budgeting for 2025 could include wrestling with a runaway health insurance premium.

That’s the fear being articulated by county officials, who explained that high numbers of claims forced the county to use 5-percent and 10.5-percent caps on premiums in 2023 and 2024.

With no such negotiated cap on the premium with Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2025, the premium could skyrocket.

“The increases are difficult to absorb as it is, but without the caps th...