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Board approves health‑department budget transfers and updates extended‑leave policy allowing COBRA at employee expense
Summary
The board approved routine Health Department year‑end budget transfers and amended HR policy (HR‑26‑01) clarifying that nonunion employees on approved unpaid extended leave may maintain insurance via COBRA at their own cost for up to 18 months; the policy does not apply to union employees.
The county’s health department presented standard year‑end budget transfers compiled and forwarded by its Board of Health; the board approved the transfers as presented.
Following that, the board considered and recommended approval of HR‑26‑01, an amendment to the county’s extended‑leave policy for nonunion employees. The policy change clarifies that an employee on an approved unpaid extended leave may maintain county health insurance by purchasing COBRA coverage at the employee’s expense for up to 18 months, consistent with federal COBRA rules. The policy also specifies extended leave must be approved by an elected or appointed department head and that extended leave does not guarantee reemployment when the employee is ready to return.
Board members asked whether the policy applies to union employees; the HR representative confirmed it applies to the nonunion employee handbook only and does not change union contract rights. The board approved the policy change on voice vote.
