Board discusses adding 35- and 40-year longevity awards; staff to bring policy language to the board

Todd County commissioners discussed potential changes to the personnel policy for employee longevity awards during the Jan. 21 work session. The county currently lists awards through 30 years of service; staff proposed adding 35- and 40-year recognitions and adjusting some lower-tier amounts.

County Coordinator Bauer said an employee recently asked about recognition for 35 years of service. Personnel committee members drafted language to extend the longevity table to 40 years (for example, adding a $400 award at 35 and at 40), and also discussed increasing early-tier amounts (comments suggested $50, $75 and $100 for 5-, 10- and 15-year milestones as an alternative to the current $25 amount for five years). Commissioners discussed whether any change should be applied retroactively to current employees who previously reached those milestones; most said changes to policy typically take effect going forward and that retroactive pay creates complications. Several commissioners expressed support for adding the 35- and 40-year tiers and for recognizing long-serving employees going forward.

Personnel staff will prepare formal policy language, including an effective date and any implementation rules, and will return the item to the board for a formal vote. Commissioners emphasized that recognition ceremonies and certificates are already given at meetings; the policy change would add a defined financial award table going forward.