Commissioners advance request to credit late deputy with service years so widow can access benefits

Sheriff Matt King and other sheriff’s office personnel asked the Ways and Means Committee to approve a motion that would increase the credited years of service for the late corrections deputy Gary Weese so his surviving spouse, Jeanette Weese, can qualify for retiree health benefits.

King described Deputy Weese’s nearly 20 years of service and said Weese died unexpectedly a few months short of the 20‑year service threshold required to receive post‑employment health benefits. King and deputies attending in force asked the county to bridge the gap so the deputy’s widow could receive the insurance benefit her husband had worked toward. “We have an opportunity to do the right thing here for one of our employees and his family,” King said.

Jeanette Weese addressed commissioners and described her husband’s long service and dedication, asking that the county honor the benefit he was pursuing. Commissioners moved the proposal to the full board for final action; a committee member said he would support the item and planned to review actuarial documents before the board meeting.

Why it matters: The motion affects pension/retiree health obligations and would add an actuarial cost if the board approves crediting the additional service. Commissioners sought actuarial estimates and noted the legal and budgetary implications before final board action.

Ending: The committee voted to send the matter to the full Board of Commissioners for final action; staff provided an actuarial analysis in the packet and commissioners requested follow‑up materials before the full‑board vote.