12/14/2018- Some Marinette County employees could see a change to their post-retirement benefits. The Administrative Committee heard a proposal from County Administrator John Lefebvre Thursday to eliminate the sick bank health reimbursement account payout to those employees that also opt for the county’s retirees’ health insurance. Since 2011, non-exempt employees have been allowed to accrue up to 800 hours of sick leave that was then paid out as an HRA upon retirement. Lefebvre says he’s concerned that arrangement could lead to the over-use of insurance and in turn, higher costs for the county.
Lefebvre says he understands the proposal might not be popular with employees, but adds under the existing agreement, the county has a financial obligation of around $737000 dollars in HRA payouts alone. If approved, the new policy wouldn’t go into effect until June 30th, giving employees close to retirement the opportunity to still take advantage of both retirees’ health insurance and their HRA payout.
The Administrative Committee recommended the policy change to the full county board for consideration at their meeting later this month.