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Commissioners authorize application for Paid Family Medical Leave exemption
Summary
Somerset County authorized its finance director to apply to the Maine Department of Labor for a third-party exemption from the state Paid Family Medical Leave program and authorized staff to pursue an MOU with the Teamsters; the board said a third-party plan could yield savings and allow suspension of county payments until May 2026 if approved.
The Somerset County Commissioners on April 2 approved Resolution 25-58 authorizing the Finance Director to apply to the Maine Department of Labor for a third-party exemption from the state's Paid Family Medical Leave program.
Finance Director Patrick Dolan said he identified a third-party plan that provides comparable benefits at lower cost and recommended applying to the Department of Labor for approval. The board recorded that, if the MDOL approves the exemption, the County could suspend payments until May 2026, creating savings for both the County and employees. Commissioners noted a required memorandum of understanding with the Teamsters because the state program affects corrections collective-bargaining terms.
The resolution to authorize the application was moved by Commissioner Scott Seekins, seconded by Commissioner Joel Stetkis, and carried 3-0. The motion instructs the Finance Director to pursue the MDOL application and to report back with required documentation and next steps.
