Prairie County discusses a temporary 'pool' hire policy amid PERS reporting concerns

Commissioners examined proposed policy language to create a 'work pool' of temporary employees who could fill short-term road department needs. The draft language described a short-term worker limited to 90 days in a 12‑month period and not eligible for leave or holiday benefits, which staff warned would help avoid triggering mandatory PERS enrollment.

A staff member summarized the draft: “The work pool road department employee is a short term employee ... who is hired by the county to provide as needed work upon request of the road department supervisor for not more than 90 individual working days and a continuous 12 month period who is not eligible for permanent status,” (Staff member, speaker 9). Commissioners asked whether the limit should be by days or hours and how the county would avoid unintentionally pushing retired workers into benefit status; staff said PERS reporting is calculated per individual and could trigger retirement contributions once certain hours are reached.

Next steps: Commissioners directed staff to work with Dan (county HR/attorney) to refine language, ensure tracking by hours where necessary and clarify how retired workers would be protected from forced enrollment and benefits shifts.