Commissioners discuss adopting longevity bonus policy aligned with state plan; budget and handbook changes needed

County commissioners discussed creating a longevity bonus program for county employees and placing the policy in the county handbook.

Meeting participants referenced the state longevity plan and a statute discussed in the meeting that allows counties to adopt a program consistent with the state model but not required to match it exactly. Commissioners cited the state range of tiers: small payments for 2–4 years of service, higher amounts for 4–6 years, and a $2,000 payment for employees with at least 20 years of service; after 20 years the state model described an additional $200 for each additional two years of service beyond the first 20.

Commissioners said any local longevity program would need an identified funding source and would be contingent on carryover funds and the county’s annual budget. Discussion covered whether the payment should be a lump sum or a percent-based supplement and how to mirror the state’s year-range structure to simplify administration. Officials also raised the need to define eligibility across county offices (including road districts and courthouse staff) and to calculate the total cost before committing to the program.

Staff recommended collecting employee tenure data to produce a cost estimate and reviewing audit findings and handbook structure before adopting policy changes. No final policy was adopted; commissioners asked staff to prepare a proposal, calculate estimated cost by tenure brackets and return with a draft handbook amendment.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to prepare a cost breakdown by employee tenure, verify statutory options, and draft handbook language for future consideration.