L’ANSE – The Baraga County Board adopted a new budget Wednesday with significant changes in healthcare and a 50 cent raise for all full-time employees.

The balanced budget lists $3,771,442.14 in revenues and expenses for the fiscal year beginning Saturday.

“Health insurance has much more out-of-pocket expense to all employees,” Treasurer Anne Koski told the board, adding she hopes to have the board consider a range of options to help even the score for employees who now pay a $5,000 deductible.

Getting to that number, employees are paying full price for expensive medications previously covered by insurance. Complicating the financial dilemma for employees is a $2,700 annual limit on health saving accounts.

The board tabled any action on the issue for now but will deal with it soon to help employees be able to better afford their healthcare.