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The most recent meeting of the Winchester City Commission occurred on Tuesday, April 15. 

At the meeting, among many topics, the city employee medical benefits were discussed. 

Leading the discussion was Jeff Truitt, Senior Benefit Consultant for BimGroup in Lexington. 

“It is that time of year to talk about the employee benefit package, primarily the health insurance that the city provides the employees,” Truitt said. “It is a very important piece of the total compensation package to the city to allow them to try [to] recruit and retain quality employees.” 

According to Truitt, the process of determining the best options has taken place over several months, looking over various data and later having an insurance committee review possible choices. 

Ultimately, Truitt came to some recommendations. 

Based on the rate of claims over the time of June 2024 through January 2025, he stated that the city needed to budget 9.2% more in the next fiscal year in order to accommodate claims. 

The number provided only reflects an interest in contributions from the city. 

City Commissioner Shannon Cox spoke. 

“I’d like to say we’ve got a sweet health insurance plan for what the employee pays [and] for what the benefit is,” he said. “I’m very happy for each of you that we can do this.” 

The Commission approved building an additional 9.2% into next year’s budget with contributions kept at 95% from the city and 5% from the employee. 

In other news, the City Commission heard news in local policing. 

With Winchester Chief of Police Travis Thompson noting that there hadn’t been an assistant chief of police in many years, the Commission unanimously voted in favor of appointing Harvey Craycraft to the position. 

“I don’t know anybody more deserving than Harvey,” said City Commissioner Kitty Strode. “I’ve worked with Harvey for twenty years…I’m very, very pleased.” 

Thompson also provided an update about the ongoing events at WPD. 

Among many points, Thompson acknowledged WPD’s involvement in the local community, which included participating in food drives and making several visits to local schools. 

Thompson also noted that, in the first three months of the year, the department has made 70 mental health transports. 

Mentioning different protocol changes, Thompson noted that the number of transports declined from January to March. 

He noted that the changes in place improve the qualifications for mental health transports and can keep officers on the street instead of transporting across county lines. 

The expertise of WPD’s K9 officer, Jensik, was also highlighted. 

In particular, a video was shown demonstrating how the dog was able to efficiently detect 18.5 grams of methamphetamine stowed in a car’s engine compartment drugs, with Thompson noting that the animal – who is trained by officer Blake Gabbard – will be used to better keep the streets free of substances. 

“I show you that to show you what Jensik is capable of when he gets out and gets to work,” said Chief Thompson, expressing hope that another K9 can be added next year. “Jensik has assisted other agencies…[including] the local ATF.” 

Certainly not least, following the untimely passing of Abe – whom the presentation was dedicated to – Thompson expressed hope that another therapy dog could be added, with grant opportunities for funding currently being considered.