Comptroller flags excess DROP payouts; board keeps policy while ordering further review

Escambia County's comptroller told the board Tuesday that a payroll review found excess DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program) payouts and recommended the county not adopt the proposed amendment as written. The report traced the practice of double payouts to internal administrative changes beginning in 2014 and stressed that prior interpretations created conflicting payroll treatment.

"We did discover that excess payouts have occurred," the comptroller said, summarizing a review of payroll records and a survey of 30 peer counties. County staff and the comptroller said the county's current DROP paperwork and HR procedures are inconsistent in places and that unilateral changes affecting unionized positions would require bargaining.

Nikki Powell (HR) and other staff described operational complexities: some employees were paid at both entry and separation dates under interpretations following a 2014 change, the county has more leave buckets than peer counties, and payroll systems (UKG) do not automatically track DROP the way staff expected. Powell said that any policy change affecting non‑bargained employees would have to be bargained before applying to unionized staff.

Commissioners discussed fairness and fiscal risk. Commissioner Kohler recommended grandfathering current participants; Chair and others said protecting employees who relied on prior practice would be important. The board voted 5-0 to approve staff's recommended items (items a, b and c as presented) to maintain clarity, preserve payouts for current separations, and to continue policy work during budget season.

Key details - Comptroller's review indicated practice of payouts at entry and separation going back to 2014 (initial HR change) and identified inconsistencies in HR policy and HR policy documentation. - Staff recommended not adopting the proposed amendments as written and instead requested clearer drafting, bargaining where required, and additional committee review during budgeting. - The board approved the staff recommendations 5-0 and requested follow-up work, including potential grandfathering for employees already in DROP.

Next steps County staff will work with unions and constitutional offices where applicable, provide clearer consolidated policy documentation, and bring a fuller implementation plan and bargaining strategy to committee of the whole during the budget cycle.