Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (WACH, AP) -- South Carolina public employees will be paying more for their health insurance next year.

Tuesday, the Budget and Control Board voted to increase the health care costs for agencies and employees an average of 4.5 percent each starting January 1.

The increases will range from 42 cents monthly for a single employee who chooses the high-deductible health plan, to a little less than $16 monthly for an employee and spouse enrolled in the standard plan. The increases would bring employees' total premiums to less than $10 per month for a single, non-smoker and about $367 for smokers' family coverage.

"It is not that we want employees to pay more it is not that we want the state to pay more," said Governor Nikki Haley Tuesday, "what we do want to do is be thoughtful in our approach and make sure that we are going to make sure that we are fiscally keeping our house in order we are not going to turn into Washington."

Nearly 410,000 public employees and their family members are covered under the plan. It covers state workers, educators and county and municipal employees who choose to participate.

The Budget and Control Board’s Executive Director, Eleanor Kitzman, is stepping down after only six months on the job. She is leaving for a new job as head of the Texas Department of Insurance.  Tuesday was her last meeting.

“Eleanor Kitzman has given great service to our state both as Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance and at the Budget and Control Board, where she laid the foundation for continued work on much-needed reform. Governor Rick Perry and the people of Texas are fortunate," Haley said.

The board unanimously named Marsha Adams to take Kitzman's place.  Adams was formerly director of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.  She has been chief of staff since January.

“What we were looking for in the next Budget and Control Board executive director was someone who will continue to reform the board, make it more accountable and further lay the groundwork for a Department of Administration. We couldn't have found a better person for the job in Marcia Adams, and we are excited for her to get to work," the governor added.

The board consists of the governor, state treasurer, comptroller and two legislative leaders.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)