Klamath County commissioners approve retroactive PERS exception for deputy DA, authorize under‑sheriff PTO accrual and external SRO posting

Klamath County commissioners on March 4 approved three human‑resources actions: an exception to county retirement policy allowing a deputy district attorney to join the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; an under‑sheriff paid time off (PTO) accrual rate of 13.34 hours per pay period; and an amendment to a prior motion to post a vacant school resource officer (SRO) Klamath Community College sergeant position externally.

The PERS exception drew the most detailed discussion. Commissioners agreed to authorize an exception to county policy that would permit the deputy district attorney — identified in the meeting as Mr. Higgins — to move from the county’s retirement arrangement into PERS effective Jan. 1, 2024, or any date thereafter agreed by the employee and human resources. County staff warned that a retroactive PERS enrollment carries employee obligations: PERS requires employees to contribute 6% into their Individual Account Program (IAP) for retroactive periods, and county staff said the county will seek to recoup prior employer contributions made to the county’s 401(a) plan to reduce the employee’s retroactive obligation.

Commissioners framed the exception as a clean‑up item. According to the record, the deputy DA believed he would qualify under the PERS police and fire unit beginning Jan. 1, 2024; the county’s human resources staff and the DA’s office will work out the timing and any arrangements to assist the employee with retroactive contributions. The board voted with all commissioners present recorded as "aye," and the motion passed.

On an item introduced by the sheriff’s office, the board approved an exception and set the under‑sheriff PTO accrual rate at 13.34 hours per pay period. Commissioners discussed the need to document such hiring incentives and conditional offers in writing so departments, HR and the board have a clear record of benefits offered to appointed positions.

Separately, the board approved an amendment to a prior motion to post externally the vacant SRO Klamath Community College sergeant position. The amendment clarifies that the opening may be posted externally to attract qualified candidates; the motion passed with all commissioners present voting "aye."

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Authorize exception to county policy to move deputy DA from county retirement plan to PERS effective 01/01/2024 or another date agreed by employee and HR. Outcome: Passed (all commissioners present recorded as "aye"). Notes: Employee responsible for retroactive 6% IAP contributions; county will attempt to recoup prior 401(a) employer contributions to mitigate employee liability. - Motion: Approve exception policy and under‑sheriff PTO accrual rate of 13.34 hours per pay period. Outcome: Passed (all commissioners present recorded as "aye"). - Motion: Approve amendment to prior motion to post vacant SRO Klamath Community College sergeant position externally. Outcome: Passed (all commissioners present recorded as "aye").

The board recorded these actions during a brief administrative meeting; commissioners noted staff should present conditional offer language and documentation to the board in the future so hiring incentives and benefits are clearly recorded. Human resources and the DA’s office were directed to work together on the PERS transition details and on how retroactive contributions would be handled for the employee.