Agenda - 05-30-2013 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Employee Pay and Benefits - Continued County's contribution to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS) for all permanent employees; • Fund an increase in health insurance up to 8.0% over current premiums, effective January 1, 2014; • Maintain the living wage at $10.97 per hour; • Extend the six -month hiring delay; • Extend the voluntary furlough program; and • Address increased costs for Retiree Health Benefits. 1. Position Classification and Pay Plans The Manager recommends the Board approve a 2.0% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for permanent employees hired on or before June 30, 2013, effective July 1, 2013. The Manager recommends making no adjustments to the salary range minimums during FY 2013 -14. The Manager recommends increasing the salary range maximums 2.5% effective July 1, 2013 to allow those employees at or exceeding the range to receive the 2.0% COLA. The Manager recommends continuing the Employee Performance Awards of $500 for proficient performance or $1,000 for exceptional performance, effective with WPPR review dates from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014. The Manager's recommendation also includes approving the updated Orange County Classification and Pay Plan. The FY 13 -14 projected budgetary increase for the COLA and Performance Bonus is approximately $1.38 million. 2. County Contribution to Retirement Benefits Both employer and employees contribute to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System based on employee base salary. After many years of stable contributions, the rates have varied over the past four years, with an increase effective July 2013. The employee contribution has remained the same at 6.0% of salary. The Manager recommends continuing the 5.0% employer contribution to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System 401(k) program for sworn law enforcement officers. The Manager further recommends keeping the $27.50 per pay period County minimum contribution to the employee's choice of supplemental retirement plan(s) and matching employees' contributions up to $46.15 per pay period (for a maximum annual County contribution of $1,200) for all general (non - sworn law enforcement officer) employees. The FY 2013 -14 projected budgetary increase is approximately $87,000. 3. Employee Health Insurance Based on early claims data, the County's benefits consultant, Mark III, has projected an 8.0% increase in premiums for a renewal of the same benefits beginning January fZ&l