Beaufort County Council held a productive workshop this week to discuss key initiatives including County retiree insurance, the Self-Health Insurance Fund, merit pay, Stormwater Fund, and the County Detention Center.

Council members engaged in meaningful discussions beginning with an introduction from County Administrator Michael Moore. He introduced County HR Director Katherine Mead who made a presentation on:  

• Retiree Health Insurance
  In 2004 Council voted to approve a supplemental health insurance plan for County retirees. The program ended in 2016 due to expense, growing unfunded liability and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The County is considering a Retiree Health Insurance Reimbursement Arrangement Program. Ms. Mead recommended County employees with 15 years of service would be eligible for a $300/month stipend, 21-27.99 years of service a $400/month stipend, and 28 years or more, a $500 monthly stipend. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• County Workforce Health Insurance Benefits
  The County is currently self-funded in 2016 with Blue Cross/Blue Shield as the administrator. For budget and cost purposes it's more realistic to remain self-funded. Changes have been made in recent years, including increased employee contributions and adjusting pharmacy plan benefits. Discussion in the workshop included adjusting the employer/employee contribution structure and contribution levels. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• Merit Pay Implementation Update
  County HR Director Katherine Mead gave an updated on the step increases Council passed last fall. Discussion included ways to incorporate the step pay scale increases with COLAs. It was determined that employee evaluations will determine raise eligibility will be by employee anniversary date. Policy will be presented to Finance Committee and then moved to County Council for a full vote. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• Paid Leave Time (PLT) Cash Out Policy
  Assistant County Administrator of Public Safety John Robinson updated Council on the County departments who--due to work shifts and shift coverage--are unable to take advantage of their earned paid time off. The departments affected include County EMS, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, County Detention Center, and Animal Control. Mr. Robinson recommended the County adopt a policy to be included that allows to take advantage of cashing out their paid leave time. It can be used as a benefit for recruitment and retention and  morale booster. These departments have multiple vacancies so existing employees are working additional shifts for coverage. This ensures earned paid leave time is not lost and reduce County liability. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• Stormwater Fund and Enterprise Fund
  Assistant County Administrator of Infrastructure Jared Fralix and County Chief Financial Officer Pinky Harriott presented updates on fees, fee structure and
  factors considered. They are currently reviewing how to simplify the fee structure. At this time stormwater fees and the enterprise fund will remain separate from the general fund. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule
  Assistant County Administrator Audra Antonacci-Ogden of Community Services gave an update on programming fee schedules. Staff is working on recommendations for the fee schedule, the fees have remained the same for more than 10 years. With expanded programming and two new rec centers--Agnes A. Major Center in Sheldon and Wesley E. Felix Park in St. Helena, the recommendations will be presented to the community within the next few months. Rental policy updates will also be reviewed by staff. Watch the presentation here.
  
  
• County Detention Center
  Assistant County Administrator of Public Safety John Robinson presented Council with the hiring status to fill the open vacancies, the high turnover rate, recruitment and retention challenges, current pay scale and benefits, and facility improvements and upgrades. Watch the presentation here.

“These conversations are vital to ensuring that Beaufort County continues to grow as a supportive, forward-thinking community, for both our residents and our workforce,” said Alice Howard, Chair of County Council.

The agenda can be found here.

Watch the entire workshop on BCTV.

BCTV can be found on cable channels Sparklight (formerly Hargray) - channel 9 and 417; Comcast - channel 2; Spectrum - channel 1304. BCTV also streams live on www.BeaufortCounty.tv and through the FREE BCTV APP available on ROKU, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire.