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Board approves larger retiree premium credits, raises service requirement to 15 years
Summary
The Board adopted handbook changes that raise retiree premium credits from $4 to $15 per year of service per month effective July 1, 2026, and increase the County service eligibility from 5 to 15 consecutive years; the Board voted 4-1.
Deputy County Administrator Davidson presented proposed Employee Handbook revisions to reflect the FY2027 budget and recommended changing eligibility for retiree medical premium credits. The Board adopted the changes on a 4-1 roll-call vote; Supervisor Dewey L. Ritchie voted Nay.
Under the adopted changes, the County's retiree premium credit increases from $4.00 to $15.00 per year of service per month, effective for employees who retire on or after July 1, 2026. Davidson explained staff's recommendation to raise the years-of-service requirement from five (5) to fifteen (15) consecutive years given the greater value of the benefit. The handbook language also preserves the credit in effect for retirees who retired prior to July 1, 2026 and states the County reserves the right to amend or terminate the benefit.
The Board clarified how state-funded employees receive the State contribution and the County supplements as needed to equalize benefits. Supervisor Ritchie expressed that State and County benefits should remain separate; staff and other supervisors explained the County adjusts its supplement so employees receive equal benefits regardless of funding source. The motion to adopt the handbook changes carried DALE–AYE; HENSLEY–AYE; LONGCOR–AYE; RITCHIE–NAY; WOLFE-GARRISON–AYE.
