County employees may see changes in sick leave policy
In an effort to get a handle on the cost of sick leave, Marion County Commission is considering a short-term disability plan which would pay only 66-2/3 percent of weekly wages when a county employee is sick or injured.
Tim Oglesby of Blue Cross/Blue Shield presented a plan Monday to the commission.
Currently employees accrue sick leave, one day a month, with a maximum of 130 days accrual. If the commission approves this plan, it would mean county employees would receive a portion of their weekly wages on the first day of missed work because of an accident or on the eighth day because of illness.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke said many companies use this type of plan in lieu of sick leave because of the cost benefit to the company.
"Sick leave is a benefit, not a mandate," Dallke said.
Oglesby suggested the county compare the cost of sick leave with the cost of the plan.
If this plan is implemented, it would nullify any other short-term disability policy employees may have.
The short-term disability benefit would cost the county $1,407 per month.
County clerk Carol Maggard said she was concerned about how accumulated sick leave would be factored with those who retire and their final KPERS payment.
Oglesby said the insurance company would administer the policy.
The change may be considered at budget time to be implemented in 2008.
Oglesby also informed the commission that the health insurance options that were chosen at the previous commission meeting will require a minimum of 10 employees per plan instead of five.
A mandatory meeting is planned for all county employees to become informed about the changes.
