4a. Salary/COLA recommendation - Laserfiche WebLink

Department Head Minutes—May 28, 2014 1 DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETING MAY 28, 2014 1. MEETING TO ORDER A meeting of the Cass County department heads was called to order on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 8:30 AM in the Prairie Winds Conference Room, Cass County Courthouse. The following were present: Keith Berndt, Terry Schmaltz, John Baird, Birch Burdick, Charlotte Sandvik, Jason Benson, Stan Wolf, Launette Figliuzzi, Rick Majerus for Paul Laney, Frank Klein, Jewel Spies, Chip Ammerman, and Mike Montplaisir. Dave Rogness and John Kringler were absent. 2. MINUTES APPROVED MOTION, passed Ms. Sandvik moved and Mrs. Spies seconded to approve the meeting minutes from March 26, 2014 as presented. Motion carried. COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT/NDPERS ADJUSTMENT FOR BUDGET PURPOSES Copies of the April Consumer Price Index (CPI) were provided to department heads via email prior to today's meeting. Department heads reviewed the consumer price index figures for April 2013 through April 2014. In the past, the cost of living adjustment (COLA) was based on the CPI for urban consumers in the Midwest, and if departments use the same figures this year, the adjustment would be 2%. There was discussion on increases over the last three years to the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS). According to Mr. Montplaisir, the state legislature did not pass legislation to increase contributions made by governmental entities for 2015; therefore, no increase is needed for next year. Mr. Montplaisir said there has been discussion at the state level about changing the retirement plan from its current defined benefit plan, but no decisions have been made. Mr. Montplaisir also discussed health insurance rates for next year. He said it is too early to have definite figures, but according to Blue Cross Blue Shield, most plans will see a 10% increase. He said the county will be looking at other plans for consideration next year. MOTION, passed Mr. Berndt moved and Ms. Sandvik seconded that the county authorize the use of a 2.0% COLA salary scale adjustment for 2015 budget development purposes. Discussion: Mr. Montplaisir said employees may not receive a raise depending on health insurance rates. Motion carried. 4. COUNTY PALAVERING NEWSLETTER UPDATES Mr. Berndt said Cindy Stoick from the Personnel Office prepares the monthly county newsletter, and she suggested a new option for the County Palavering. He asked for comments about the idea of featuring a department each month, listing the name of the department head and the office duties. Departments were in agreement that it is a good idea. Mr. Berndt believes this will help employees to be better informed about county departments.