In a blow to Perry County Councilman Keith Huck, the State Court of Appeals has ruled that he will no longer have health insurance coverage starting in January 2024. The decision was made after the County Commissioners voted to remove all part-time employees from the county’s insurance plan.
Huck had filed an injunction in 2023, challenging the decision of the commissioners to remove him and other part-time employees from the plan. He argued that his role as a councilman required full-time dedication, despite the commissioners claiming that it only required nine hours of work per month.
However, a trial court initially sided with Huck, restoring his health benefits. But this ruling was appealed by Perry County officials, resulting in the original decision being reinstated.
This development means that Huck will now have to find alternative health insurance coverage for himself. The decision by the State Court of Appeals highlights the ongoing debate over the responsibilities and benefits granted to part-time employees within the county government.