Commissioners discuss covering pension contributions for deputy called to active duty, consider formal policy

Ohio County commissioners addressed a personnel matter after learning a sheriff's deputy was ordered to active military duty for about four months and is off payroll, which affects pension contributions.

Speaker 4 explained the deputy is off payroll while on active duty and that the absence could create a pension-service gap unless contributions are paid. Speaker 4 said they had paid the deputy’s pension contribution from a county salary line as a good-will gesture and proposed that the county continue partial payments now that could be repaid when the employee returns. Speaker 4 noted federal rules allow an employee up to three years to make up missed contributions.

Commissioners asked staff to review the employee handbook and confirm how much military leave the county provides and whether deputies must use paid time off for weekend drills or two-week annual training. Participants discussed county and employee retirement contributions; multiple speakers referenced a 3% employee contribution rate and said the county typically matches that rate, though a definitive county percentage should be verified with payroll or the auditor.

Several commissioners expressed that the issue may warrant a formal policy so that future cases are handled consistently; one commissioner called it "a bigger discussion" and recommended consulting the handbook and auditor for a clear approach. No formal policy vote was recorded during the meeting.

The board directed staff to follow up with payroll/auditor to confirm contribution rules and to prepare options for the commissioners to consider at a future meeting.