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Clerk of Courts’ request for retiree health insurance denied by Oneida County Executive Committee
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Summary
The committee voted to deny Clerk of Courts Brenda Behrle’s request for retirement health insurance despite her 32 years of service; HR estimated the three‑year cost at about $28,675 and members cited county policy and precedent concerns.
Clerk of Courts Brenda Behrle told the Oneida County Executive Committee she will retire Jan. 3, 2027, after 32 years with the county and asked that the county grant her health insurance at retirement even though the handbook requires 20 years of continuous service. Behrle said recent wage adjustments in March 2024 for other elected offices left a gap that was not applied to the Clerk of Courts’ office and asked the committee to bridge that difference by approving retiree coverage.
Human Resources Director Jenni Lueneburg explained the handbook eligibility rules and told the committee an approved exception would cost an estimated $28,675 over a three‑year period and could affect future employees. Committee discussion focused on policy adherence and precedent. “You run for the position knowing what the pay is,” said Scott Holewinski, arguing that making an exception would invite similar requests.
Chairman Billy Fried moved, and Dan Hess seconded, a motion to deny the request. The motion passed with Fried, Holewinski, Hess, Robb Jensen and Russ Fisher voting Aye and Steven Schreier voting Nay; one member, Showalter, was absent. The committee did not direct staff to pursue any alternate benefit for Behrle.
The committee’s action leaves Behrle’s retirement benefits governed by the current handbook requirement; any future change to eligibility would require amendment of county policy or code.