Benefits company accuses Hall County of conspiracy, ineptitude

GAINESVILLE - Attorneys for an employee benefits firm that is suing Hall County accused county officials Monday of conspirary and ineptitude.<br> <br> Benefit Support Inc. is suing the county for lost business -- among other damages -- resulting from a bidding process for county health insurance coverage more than three years ago. Attorneys leveled the accusations during a four-hour hearing in Hall County Superior Court.<br> <br> Judge Jason Deal gave both parties 20 days to file paperwork to support their positions.<br> <br> The issue is whether the county was permitted to abandon the bidding process and if it is liable for any lost business to Benefit Support.<br> <br> Attorney Chris Parker -- who represented the county -- argued that county officials acted to best protect taxpayers&#39; interest.<br> <br> If Deal denies the county&#39;s motion for summary judgment, a jury will decide the matter. If not, the case is dismissed.<br> <br> In 2002, Hall County asked benefit providers to submit bids for medical insurance coverage. Group Resources, Benefit Support and Blue Cross Blue Shield, the county&#39;s provider at the time, were finalists for the contract.<br> <br> Benefit Support maintains as the low bidder and only licensed third party administrator among the finalists, it would have been awarded the contract if the bidding process had been carried out properly.