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Becker County opts for private plan to implement state paid family and medical leave, estimates county share about $116,000 annually
Summary
The county approved enrolling in a private paid family and medical leave (PFML) plan with MetLife to lock a lower rate (0.79% vs. the state 0.88%), with an estimated county share roughly $116,000 annually. The board approved HR's recommendation after discussion about costs and administrative details.
Becker County commissioners voted to use a private insurance plan for the new Minnesota paid family and medical leave program recommended by county human resources staff, the board decided July 15.
Human resources staff presented a comparison between the state-administered PFML program rate (0.88% of wages) and a private plan quote (0.79%) that the county could enroll in. Staff said the private plan—offered through MetLife in the materials presented—would lock the lower 0.79% rate for at least two years and that the county could avoid a likely future state rate increase. HR staff noted a one-time $500 state filing fee is required to register a private plan for county employees; staff said the lower percentage saves the county and employees more than enough to offset that fee.
Commissioners asked multiple budgetary questions. County HR and finance staff corrected and clarified earlier figures and provided an annual cost estimate for the county share. After correcting an initial misread of monthly versus annual figures, staff said the county’s estimated annual employer share would be approximately $116,007 under the selected plan. Commissioners discussed that the program is split 50–50 between employer and employee under current law, and asked about the county’s ability to adjust if the state later amends rates or program rules.
The board voted to approve the HR recommendation to enroll in the private plan option and to proceed with the registration steps. Commissioners were told the private-plan arrangement carries no long-term contract with MetLife and that the county could opt out later; staff noted the private plan provides a rate guarantee for a limited period but that further state changes could alter requirements and costs going forward.
HR staff also told the board that the county will need to finalize internal policy details—specifically whether employees may “supplement” PFML benefits with accrued paid leave (sick/vacation) and how that will interact with the county’s catastrophic leave bank—and that policy decisions must be finalized prior to January 1, when the state program takes effect.
The board approved HR’s recommendation by voice vote; staff will complete the plan registration and return with implementation details and recommended policy language for employee leave supplementation before the end of the year.
