Tama County Board opts for PTO schedule and adds Hartford disability coverage for eligible employees

The Tama County Board of Supervisors voted on March 2, 2026 to begin converting its paid vacation and sick-leave system to a Paid Time Off (PTO) program (PTO Option 2) and approved expanding short- and long-term disability coverage under The Hartford for eligible employees.

Under the approved PTO accrual schedule the board recorded in minutes, employees would earn 13 days upon hire; 18 days after one year; 23 days after two years; 28 days after eight years; and 33 days after 15 years. The minutes state employees would not lose existing vacation days; any employee with banked sick days would retain those sick days for use under Family Medical Leave (FMLA) if needed.

Supervisor Curt Hilmer moved to approve PTO Option 2 and Supervisor David Turner seconded the motion; the board voted unanimously to begin the conversion process and directed staff to return a final implementation plan and date. Supervisor Heather Knebel said she had PTO at John Deere and “it had worked well,” expressing support; Turner said he supported PTO to help manage staff.

The board also approved a motion by Mark Doland, seconded by Curt Hilmer, to extend short-term and long-term disability coverage under The Hartford, Plan 4, to non-union employees, with the minutes noting the county will provide that coverage at no cost to employees eligible for PTO and subject to final cost determination. The board additionally authorized HR to extend PTO and Hartford Plan 4 benefits in union negotiations consistent with the adopted plan and option; that motion was moved by Mark Doland and seconded by Heather Knebel and carried unanimously.

The minutes do not specify implementation dates, estimated annual employer cost, or detailed eligibility rules beyond the statement that the coverage applies to employees eligible for PTO; the board requested final cost determinations and will return a final plan for approval.