County reports falling comp-time liability, overtime and workers' comp costs

Human Resources presented a summary of ancillary employee benefits and liability trends, including comp time, overtime, paid leave and insurance changes.

The department reported a comp-time liability of nearly $3.5 million at the end of December 2025 and said a new comp policy that took effect Jan. 1 has reduced balances substantially. "At the end of December in 2025, we had a comp liability of almost $3,500,000," the presenter said. HR also reported a 20% decrease in overtime hours year over year and an 18% decrease in overtime cost compared with 2024.

Other benefits data included an 11% decrease in employees carrying catastrophic time-off balances (to 169 employees), a 5% reduction in total dollar liability for catastrophic leave versus 2024, and a 58% year-over-year decrease in workers' compensation indemnity and medical payments for 2025 compared with 2024. HR noted changes to long-term care enrollment and told the court that as of Feb. 1, 2026 a major insurer (UNUM) no longer issues new policies, though existing enrollees retain coverage. No policy changes were approved at the meeting; the presentation was provided for budget and benefits planning.