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Saline County reviews contingency to keep WIC staff insured amid federal funding gap
Summary
County HR and health officials told commissioners that administrative WIC funds have not been received since Oct. 10; county savings can cover salaries through about Nov. 12 and the board approved a contingency to maintain employer health insurance eligibility for temporarily furloughed WIC staff if needed.
Saline County officials on Oct. 28 sought board approval to preserve health insurance eligibility for WIC employees if temporary furloughs become necessary because of delayed federal administrative funding.
Marilyn Leamer, the county's human resources director, told the commissioners that staff had reviewed the county health plan and that the plan includes language allowing employees to remain eligible for coverage during a mandatory temporary furlough or reduced work schedule, provided the board approves such action. The board was asked to authorize that flexibility now so staff can respond quickly if funding cuts require temporary furloughs.
Health Department Director Jason Tiller updated the board on WIC funding: "As of right now, we are able to continue funding them through, that it approximately the November 12." He said the county has not received administrative (NSA) WIC funds since Oct. 10 and is using salary-savings and other internal funds to cover staff while it awaits guidance and possible state distributions. Tiller said six full-time WIC employees could be affected if furloughs are needed.
Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives before furloughs would be considered: temporarily reassigning WIC staff to vacant positions in the health department, using other departmental vacancy savings, reducing hours (for example to 32 per week) to preserve insurance eligibility and stretching available funds. Leamer confirmed the county's proposed approach would allow employees to keep insurance coverage during a temporary reduction in hours or furlough.
No formal furloughs were implemented at the meeting; commissioners approved the requested authorization for temporary furlough insurance eligibility to ensure county flexibility if the federal funding situation does not improve. Staff said they have a call scheduled with the state WIC office later in the week to clarify administrative funding distributions and will report back.
Next steps: staff will continue contingency planning, pursue state guidance, and notify the board if further personnel or policy actions become necessary.
