Saratoga County deputy HR director reports multimillion-dollar fund balance, downward trend in open workers' compensation claims

Jill Cerniak, the county’s deputy human resources director, told committee members the county’s workers’ compensation program showed notable savings and a modest decline in open claims. “For those of you that don't know me, my name is Jill Cerniak and I'm the deputy HR director for the county,” she said as she opened the report.

Cerniak said two large claims closed permanently under section 32, producing roughly $270,000 in savings. She reported medical-cost savings of about 62% year-over-year, totaling roughly $777,000, and pharmacy savings of approximately $12,500. “We're trending well in that respect,” Cerniak said.

For January, Cerniak said the county paid out just under $106,000 and recorded 29 new claims, six of which were record-only. She reported 175 open claims compared with 181 at the same point the prior year. She also listed three larger January claims: a medical/surgery claim from public works buildings and grounds, a claim tied to the sheriff's office involving a 207-c reimbursement, and a dental claim from the Town of Wilton.

Cerniak summarized operational metrics, including 24/7 call-line activity (23 calls, six unanswered) and a review of 158 bio files that produced 14 settlements out of 31 reviewed and three closures because claimants were deceased. She estimated total savings from the reviewed files at about $1.1 million and said the fund balance was approximately $2.18 million.

When a committee member asked how many claims remained from the Maplewood matter, Cerniak replied the packet covered January and she would confirm and present the precise number at a future meeting.

The report was received for the record; no formal vote was taken on the report itself.