Ohio's State Employment Relations Board's 2011 19th Annual Report on the Cost of Health Insurance inOhio's Public Sector offers these tidbits:

Statewide, the average monthly premium for medical and prescription coverage when prescription is included in the medical premium is $474 for single coverage and $1,251 for family coverage.

Here is an email provided by Summit County that details how municipalities saved money by helping the county with negotiations, either by offering to join the county plan or providing their current providers with a little competition.

A couple months ago, a reader asked the rhetorical question: isn't "government efficiency" an oxymoron. After working on this for more than six months, I can say no. This document discusses some moves by Summit County that show, although imperfect, efficiencies are possible and being considered almost constantly. The rest of this blog offers further proof.

I'll include this in a forthcoming story, but I'm inclined to concentrate on the people involved, especially those who are threatened by these moves. So let me ask: Which angle would you prefer I pursue? A listing of the efficiencies or a discussion of how the people are considered. Write me at davescott@thebeaconjournal.com

In preparation for a coming story, I was given the attached document  on the effect of the new state budget on Summit County that includes a summary of attempts to save money through collaboration. The summary begins on Page 8.

Sources often express frustration from encountering unstated opposition to changes that would make local governments more efficient. In my next story, at least two politicians, one Republican and one Democrat, say that on a fundamental level it's a leadership problem. Both deny partisan politics is involved. As always, if you have something to add, comment here to contact me at davescott@thebeaconjournal.com

Thanks