Public commenter proposes payroll surcharge on large employers to recoup public‑benefit costs

Isidore Farish of Emerson used the meeting's public‑comment period to propose that the county consider a payroll surcharge on large employers who hire many part‑time workers in place of full‑time positions that would otherwise trigger employer health‑benefit obligations. Farish said the practice shifts costs to state and county budgets through increased demand for public benefits such as Medicaid and nutrition assistance. He described scheduling practices that make it difficult for employees to take a second job and said a surcharge targeted at large employers could raise county revenue to offset those costs. Farish framed the suggestion as a policy option for the county to consider; no county staff response or board direction on the proposal was recorded in the meeting transcript. The comment was delivered during public comment and did not result in a vote or referral to staff on the record.