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Polk County adopts Minnesota Paid Leave policy for employees starting Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The board approved a county policy to participate in the state Minnesota Paid Leave program (effective 01/01/2026), which provides 1–12 weeks of paid medical or family leave and is funded by a 0.88% premium split between employees and employers; staff will implement payroll deductions and administrative access to state application outcomes.
Polk County commissioners voted to adopt the Minnesota Paid Leave policy and place the policy in county personnel rules, allowing county employees to participate in the state‑administered program beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
Alyssa presented the policy, describing coverage and administration: the program allows 1–12 weeks of paid medical or family leave, can run concurrently with FMLA at the employee’s option, and will be administered by the state with Polk County acting as the plan administrator for internal tracking and supplemental benefits. The initial premium rate for 2026 is 0.88% of wages, split 50/50 between employee and employer; payroll will show a new deduction code beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Alyssa noted that the county elected to go with the state provider rather than a private plan.
Commissioners asked questions about caps, carryover, accruals and supplemental pay options for employees who want to supplement state benefits with vacation or sick leave. During the discussion, commissioners clarified that accrual and carryover rules vary by contract and position; one example noted sick‑leave accumulation up to 800 hours that then flows into catastrophic leave. Commissioners also discussed the potential fiscal impact on the county, with one participant giving a hypothetical calculation based on a $20 million payroll (0.44% employer share would amount to roughly $880,000 annually in that scenario); staff said final county cost depends on size of the county payroll.
The board moved to adopt the policy and approved it by voice vote. Implementation steps directed to county HR and payroll staff include adding the deduction code, informing employees, and coordinating benefit administration with the state portal.
Ending: The policy was approved on a voice vote; staff will implement payroll changes and share guidance with employees ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026 start date.
