Council approves Madison National Life contract to administer paid family/medical leave

Summary

To implement the new state-required paid family and medical leave program, councilors approved a one-year contract with Madison National Life to administer the city’s program; estimated annual administration cost was presented as $76,000 (based on census) and councilors debated in-house vs. outsourced administration.

Virginia City’s council voted Oct. 28 to contract with Madison National Life to administer the city’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) program for an initial one-year term.

HR staff and consultants told council the $0.77-per-payroll-dollar rate produced an estimated 2026 administration cost of about $76,000 based on current census numbers; the fee is charged against payroll. HR said the city could opt to pass up to 50% of the administrative cost to employees in accordance with state rules, subject to negotiations and memoranda of understanding.

Council discussion focused on whether the program should be kept in-house for a trial period or outsourced immediately. Councilor Bach Schneider said she preferred an in-house start to avoid unknown long-term costs; Councilor Johnson argued for outsourcing to free staff time for other duties. The council approved the Madison National Life contract on a 5–2 vote.