Commission Approves $725K Employee Assistance Program Contract for County Workers

The DeKalb County ERPS Committee convened on August 28, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including a proposal for an employee assistance program and a motion to defer a previous item.

The meeting began with a discussion regarding the deferral of item 2025-1107. A motion was made to postpone this item until the first ERPS committee meeting in October, specifically on October 7. The motion received unanimous approval from the committee members.

Following the deferral, the committee turned its attention to item 2025-1068, which involved a request for proposals (RFP) for an employee assistance program (EAP). This program is designed to provide psychological counseling for county employees dealing with personal and work-related stress. The proposed contract is a five-year agreement with Keystone Peer Review Organization, LLC, with a maximum value of $725,000.

During the discussion, it was noted that the EAP offers confidential counseling sessions at no cost to employees, allowing up to six sessions per issue. The program also includes legal and financial assistance, all provided by licensed professionals. The average utilization rate for the program is approximately 10%, which is higher than the national average of around 6%. This higher usage is attributed to the county's extensive marketing efforts, including quarterly information sessions and regular mentions during new employee orientations.

Commissioners raised questions about the provider's history and the rationale behind the utilization rates. It was confirmed that Keystone Peer Review Organization has been the county's provider in the past and that the other bidders were deemed nonresponsive. The committee expressed satisfaction with the current provider's performance and the proactive measures taken to promote the program among employees.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the committee's commitment to supporting employee well-being through the EAP and the importance of effective communication to encourage utilization of available resources. The next steps include finalizing the contract with Keystone and preparing for the upcoming meeting in October.