Portage County to open annual sick‑leave conversion window; 176 employees cashed out last year

Portage County staff notified the Board of Commissioners Sept. 11 of the annual sick‑leave conversion program and key dates for 2025. Under the county's personnel policy (section 23), eligible employees may convert accumulated sick leave one time per year under specified parameters.

Staff said 176 employees across 27 departments participated last year and that the county paid about $230,000 total. Departments will have Nov. 7–13 to submit participating employees' elections, and payments are scheduled for Nov. 21.

Why it matters: the program reduces the county's accrued sick‑leave liability at separation (retirement or other qualifying events) and provides a year‑end cash benefit to participating employees. Staff characterized the program as a recurring, low‑cost personnel policy intended to reduce long‑term liabilities and help employees with additional cash during the holiday season.

Board action: staff presented the timeline; commissioners signaled support and no formal vote was recorded at the Sept. 11 meeting.