HomeMy WebLinkAbout032822ca03JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Mark McCauley, Interim County Administrator
Sarah Melancon, Human Resources Director
DATE: March 28, 2022
SUBJECT: Resolution — Adopting an Elimination of the 15% Medical
Contribution for Health Benefit Costs for Represented and Exempt
Employees Covered by Sound Health and Welfare Trust Administered
by Zenith Administrators
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
On December 13, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Collective Bargaining Agreement
between UFCW 21 and Jefferson County.
The new labor contract reduces the cost for medical coverage for employees in the Sound Health and
Wellness Trust administered by Zenith Administrators. Employees are responsible for 15% of the cost for
medical coverage and Jefferson County is responsible for 85% of the cost. As detailed in Articles 7.6.2 and
7.6.3 of the labor agreement, staff will receive an elimination of the 15% medical contribution for health
benefit costs beginning with March, 2022, hours. This medical "rate holiday" will continue through
December 30, 2023 or until Zenith Administrators notifies the County of the rate holiday. The County
should also receive a reduction in the 85% employer contribution to employee medical and the exact amount
will be determined with the first billing from Zenith Administrators.
ANALYSIS:
The temporary elimination of the 15% medical contribution is a requirement of the agreement between
Jefferson County and UFCW 21. It is also a benefit to both represented and non -represented staff.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt the resolution eliminating the 15% medical contribution for health benefit costs for represented and
Exempt employees.
REVIEWED BY:
Mark McCaljy, Interim County Adm ni' rator
Z
ate
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
State of Washington
In the Matter of Adopting a Temporary }
Elimination of the 15% Medical } RESOLUTION NO.
Contribution for Health Benefit Costs for }
Employees Covered by Sound Health and }
Welfare Trust Administered by Zenith }
Administrators }
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners adopted
the Collective Bargaining Agreement between UFCW and Jefferson County; and,
WHEREAS, medical benefit for UFCW unit members is provided by Sound Health
and Wellness Trust and Zenith Administrators administer the plan, and,
WHEREAS, Article 7.6.2 and Article 7.6.3 of the Agreement outline that both the
Employees and the County are to reduce their contribution for medical coverage; and,
WHEREAS, the Union and Management Trustees of the plan managed the money
paid into the trust very well which makes possible the reduced costs for medical coverage; and,
WHEREAS, beginning with March, 2022 hours paid in April, 2022, represented
staff will receive a temporary cessation of their previous 15% contribution for medical benefit;
and,
WHEREAS, beginning with March, 2022 hours paid in April, 2022 the County will
receive a reduction to their previous contribution with a new contribution of one -cent (1 ¢) per hour
or that amount designated by Zenith Administrators for the health benefit for each represented
employee in Sound Health and Wellness Trust; and,
WHEREAS, the health rate reduction will begin with March hours paid in April,
2022 and continue through December 30, 2023; and,
WHEREAS, the Board may suspend the 15% contribution medical coverage from
represented employees; and,
WHEREAS, non -represented staff or "Exempt' employees are also covered by
Sound Health and Wellness Trust administered by Zenith Administrators; and,
WHEREAS, the Board may suspend the 15% medical contribution from non -
represented "Exempt' employees;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Jefferson County
Commissioners that:
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1. Beginning with March, 2022 hours, the Auditor is directed to suspend the 15% medical
contribution from UFCW represented employees covered by Sound Health and Wellness
Trust.
2. Beginning with March, 2022 hours, the Auditor is directed to suspend the 15% medical
contribution from non -represented "Exempt" employees covered by the Sound Health and
Wellness Trust.
3. Beginning with March, 2022 hours, the Auditor is directed to reduce the County
contribution to $.01 or to that amount designated by Zenith Administrators.
4. The 15% reduction in medical contribution for both represented and non -represented
"Exempt" employees will begin with March, 2022 hours paid in April, 2022 and will
continue until December 30, 2023, or until such time as Zenith Administrators notifies the
County of the end of the reduced cost for medical coverage.
5. The reduction does not apply to employees taking Family Medical Leave (FMLA).
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2022.
SEAL: JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ATTEST:
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC
Clerk of the Board
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
Greg Brotherton, Member
Kate Dean, Member
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