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Covington County approves $26,936 one-time lump-sum payment for eligible retirees
Summary
The Covington County Commission approved a state-authorized one-time supplement for retirees totaling an estimated $26,936, payable in October; eligibility is limited to those retired before Oct. 1, 2025, and recipients may decline if the payment would affect Medicaid benefits.
The Covington County Commission voted May 26 to provide a one-time supplemental payment for eligible retirees after the state passed Act 2006608.
County staff told commissioners the estimated cost to the county is $26,936. "The cost for the county is 26,936," staff said, and the supplement was described as "$1 per each month of service credited to their account." Payments will be made to current retirees or beneficiaries in October, and the county must remit funds to the retirement system by Aug. 31.
Commissioners asked procedural questions about the calculation and eligibility. Staff confirmed the payment applies only to retirees who left service before Oct. 1, 2025, and noted that retirees who believe the payment will jeopardize their Medicaid eligibility will be notified and can refuse the payment; staff said RSA (the retirement system) will send notices and that the retiree must request to decline. One commissioner reflected on the equity concern: "Those are the folks that probably need it worse," referring to retirees whose benefits could be affected.
A motion to approve the lump-sum payment passed after a second; commissioners voiced appreciation for advocates who brought the matter forward.
Next steps: the county will coordinate with RSA to confirm recipient lists and payment processing; the payment timeline anticipates retiree receipt in October.
