County weighs tuition help, birthday PTO, wellness programs and pregnancy accommodations

Miss Johnson presented several employee‑engagement and wellness ideas meant to complement changes to leave policy: limited paid volunteer time (4–8 hours a year), a birthday PTO day, tuition reimbursement for approved degree plans (caps such as $1,000–$2,000 mentioned), employee discounts and a yearly employee event. "We now have 5 generations in the workplace," she said, framing the need to diversify benefit options.

She also raised potential wellness programs and an enhanced Employee Assistance Program with extended telehealth and legal/financial support options. On pregnancy accommodations, Miss Johnson noted the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and suggested designating a parking spot closer to county buildings for pregnant employees as a safety measure; she also floated a limited paid maternity leave option (an example cap mentioned: 40 hours) to be considered in light of increased sick and vacation accrual proposals.

Commissioners and staff discussed incentives other agencies use—paid time for medical visits, flexible scheduling and local bank discounts—and asked HR to develop logistics and cost estimates for the proposals.