HomeMy WebLinkAboutPersonnel Committee - Agenda - 10/6/2022
Bayfield County Administrator
117 E 5th Street, PO Box 878, Washburn, WI 54891
Ph: 715-373-6181 Fx: 715-373-6153
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator
Kristine Kavajecz, Human Resources Director
Paige Terry, Clerk
BAYFIELD COUNTY
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE MEETING
Brett Rondeau, Chair Fred Strand
Mary Dougherty, Vice-Chair Dennis Pocernich Marty Milanowski
*** AMENDED ***
Dear County Board Members:
This letter is written to inform you of the Bayfield County Personnel Committee
Meeting scheduled for 4:00pm Thursday, October 6, 2022. This meeting will
be held Remotely and In Person at the Bayfield County Board Room, Bayfield
County Courthouse, Washburn, WI. Supervisors and the public will be able to
participate in the Meeting via voice either by using the internet link or phone
number below.
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Please contact Bayfield County at 715-373-6181 or 715-373-6100 if you have access
questions prior to the meeting. During the meeting if you have connection issues please
email mark.abeles-allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
Notice is hereby given that a majority of the Bayfield County Board may be present at the meeting to gather
information about a subject over which they have decision-making responsibility. This constitutes a meeting of
the Bayfield County Board pursuant to State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Bd., 173 Wis. 2d 553, 494
N.W.2d 408(1993), and must be noticed as such, although the County Board will not take any formal action at
this meeting.
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Public Comment
3. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approval of Minutes of September 29,
2022
4. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Flexible Benefits Plan and Design
Changes
5. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Flexible Benefits Contractor /
Administrator Proposals and Recommendation for future
6. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Highway/Maintenance Uniform Policy
7. Discussion and Possible Action, Teamster and State Health Insurance Options
8. The committee may enter in and out of closed session pursuant to Wisconsin
Statutes §19.85(1) (c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or
performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the
governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility and
(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing
of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever
competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Discussion and
Possible action Regarding:
i. Approve Closed Session Minutes
ii. Teamster Union Negotiations: 5pm or later
iii. WPPA Union Negotiations Review
iv. Reclassification of Social Worker
v. Personnel Issues
9. Reports
a) Personnel Financial Report as of September 30, 2022
b) HR Reports
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact
the County Administrator’s Office at 715 373-6181, mark.abeles-
allison@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
Sincerely,
Mark Abeles-Allison
Mark Abeles-Allison
Bayfield County Administrator
MAA/kak
Enc.
Any person planning to attend a Bayfield County meeting that has a disability requiring special
accommodations should contact 373-6100, 24-hours before the scheduled meeting, so
appropriate arrangements can be made.
cc: Ms. Lynn Divine, Bayfield County Clerk
Bayfield County Board of Supervisors
The Daily Press, via email
NARRATIVE, PERSONNEL COMMITTEE OCT 6, 2022
Item 4: The current county flexible spending account plan includes Health Reimbursement Accounts
(HRAs). For General Employees, HRA rollover funds are not eligible for expenditure until an employee
retires. However, for the past several years we have allowed vested employees to have access to up to
$2000 per year per employee for dental and vision expenses. Teamster employees currently have this
access.
For 2023 we are considering two options:
1. Continue the $2000 per year for dental/vision
2. Remove all caps and allow vested employees to spend their rollover amounts on eligible
expenses.
Originally the intent of the rollover HRA was to help employees save for retiree health insurance. This
second option would put that decision / responsibility on the employees.
Item 5. Bayfield County has worked with our current flexible spending provider, VantageFlex for many
years. A number of recent incidents has prompted us to seek alternate proposals. We recommend
switching companies to Diversified Benefit Services. The cost is $1381 per year more however we
believe service enhancements will make up this difference in time saved. A memo detailing this is in the
packet. More detailed information on fee breakdowns and references are also available.
Item 6. The Highway and Maintenance Departments currently have a uniform service. The service is
getting very mixed reviews with continuing billing, service, delivery and quality issues. The departments
have proposed moving to a clothing reimbursement system. Forestry does this now with receipts of up
to $270 per year being paid for work clothing purchased annually.
Both departments are supportive of this change. I support this move. Dollar wise this is slightly more
than our current if every employee requests full reimbursement.
Departments will share their own clothing standard expectations.
Item 7.
SUMMARY OVERVIEW: Bayfield County offers two separate health plans: Teamster Health/Dental for
Highway Department staff and State of Wisconsin Local Deductible Health Plan for all other eligible
employees. The two plans were reviewed at previous meetings. The personnel committee needs to
take action on whether to convert all employees to the State of Wisconsin Plan for the 2023 calendar
year.
BACKGROUND: Bayfield County has offered the Teamster Health Plan, with Dental and HRA for over 10
years. Initially the Teamster Health Plan was offered as a mechanism to help control Health Insurance
Costs.
Because the premium cost was much less than health insurance offered to other employees, Teamsters
were also offered Dental Insurance and an HRA. The HRA helped offset the high deductible and out of
pocket costs associated with the Teamster Plan. Initially, the Teamster Health Insurance Premium,
Dental Premium and HRA combined, were less than the cost of the other Health Insurance offered to
other employees. Over the past several years, the cost of the Teamster Health, Dental and HRA have
surpassed the health insurance premiums paid for other county employees.
A thorough comparison of COVERAGE as well as COST was conducted and presented to the Personnel
Committee over the course of several meetings.
The rate increases for the State Health Plan in 2023 is 2%.
Rate adjustments for the Teamster Health and Dental plans will be unavailable until November 16. The
plan has averaged an annual 5% increase over the past 10-year period.
The plans are structure differently. The County Employee State Health Insurance Plan is for health
insurance only. Two rates are provided, Single and Family. Premiums are paid one month in advance.
The Teamster plan offers a combined rate. In addition, all employees MUST enroll. Two months of
administration premium is paid for each new employee. First year payment is 14 months.
The TEAMSTER plan costs $45,204 more in 2023 based on a 2.5% cost increase for the TEAMSTER plan.
A 5% increase in 2023 would raise the difference to $55,104.
Multiple Options are Available:
1. Retain the Teamster Health Plan for 2023.
2. Move Teamster employees to the State Plan in 2023.
3. Keep the Teamster Health Plan in 2023 but eliminate the county contribution to the
Teamster Dental coverage (estimated savings $25,900). (State Dental is available and is less
costly than the Teamster Dental plan and is voluntary (not mandatory as the Teamster plan
is).)
a. Reduce the HRA contribution to a level that causes a break-even cost for the
Teamster Health + HRA -vs- County Health Plan. Estimated reduction from $5350 to
$4090 ($1260 decrease)
b. Commit to converting to the State Health Plan for 2024. This allows members a year
to plan for the switch.
4. A mix of these
Minutes of the
Bayfield County Personnel Committee Meeting
2:00 PM, September 29, 2022
Meeting was Held In Person in the County Board Room
Members Present: Fred Strand, Marty Milanowski, Mary Dougherty
Excused: Brett Rondeau, Dennis Pocernich
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison County Administrator, Kristine Kavajecz-Human
Resources Director, Rich Burghaus, Chris Benton, Dave Renz, Dave Dawson
Meeting called to order at 2:00pm by Vice-Chairman Strand
Motion Milanowski, Strand to approve minutes of the August 18, 2022 Personnel Committee
meeting. Motion Carried (3-0)
Motion Milanowski, Strand to enter into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes §19.85(1)
(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any
public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility
and (e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public
funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining
reasons require a closed session. Negotiations with WPPA. Motion Carried (3-0) Entered closed
session at 2:01pm.
Meeting adjourned at 4:00pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Kristine Kavajecz
Medical % increase Dental
2012 867.07 49.67
2013 884.42 2.00%50.66 1.99%
2014 941.91 6.50%53.95 6.49%
2015 1036.1 10.00%62.04 15.00%
2016 1,118.99$ 8.00%64.52 4.00%
2017 1,231.00$ 10.01%71.00$ 10.04%
2018 1,270.00$ 3.17%80.00$ 12.68%
2019 1,294.00$ 1.89%81.00$ 1.25%
2020 1,350.52$ 4.37%85.07$ 5.02%
2021 1,391.00$ 3.00%88.00$ 3.44%
2022 1,411.00$ 1.44%89.00$ 1.14%
AVERAGE 5.04%
TEAMSTER RATE HISTORY
Teamster Health Fund State Health Plan
Statement of Benefits
EXAMPLE 1: Having a Baby
Example of events:
Specialist Office visits (prenatal care)
Childbirth.Delivery Professional Services
Childbirth/Delivery Facility Services
Diagnostic Tests (untrasounds and blood work)
Specialist (anesthesia)
Total Example Cost 12,700.00$ 12,700.00$
Deductibles:500.00$ 500.00$
CoPayments 10.00$ -$
Coinsurance 1,800.00$ -$
Limits/Exclusions 60.00$
Total Employee Cost 2,370.00$ 500.00$
EXAMPLE 2: Joe's Type 2 Diabetes
Example of Events
Primary Care physician office visits
Diagnostic tests (blood work)
Prescription drugs
Durable medical equipment (glucose monitor)
Total Example Cost 5,600.00$ 5,600.00$
Deductibles:500.00$ 500.00$
CoPayments 300.00$ -$
Coinsurance 200.00$ 400.00$
Limits/Exclusions 20.00$
Total Cost 1,020.00$ 900.00$
Could be less with wellness participation
Plan Coverage Comparisons
EXAMPLE 3: Mia's Simple Fracture
Example of Events
Emergency Room
Diagnostic test (x-ray)
Durable medical equipment (crutches)
Rehabilitation Services (physical therapy)
Total Example Cost 2,800.00$ 2,800.00$
Deductibles:700.00$ 500.00$
CoPayments 10.00$ 60.00$
Coinsurance 300.00$ 40.00$
Limits/Exclusions
Total Cost 1,010.00$ 600.00$
Teamster Health Fund State Health Plan
Deductible $500/$1500 $500/$1000
Coinsurance 85%100%
Emergency Room Co-pay $200 $60
Urgent Care Co-pay $25 $0
Durable Medical Equipment 15%20% coinsurance to max of $500 per person
Medical Out of Pocket Max $2,500/$5,000 + Deductible $8700/$17,400* Medical + RX
Generic/Tier 1 RX Co-pay $10 minimum. 20% to $50 max $5 (2 copays for 90-day)
Brand/ Tier 2 RX Co-pay $25 minimum or 30% to $150 max 20% to $50 max (2 copyas for 90-day)
Non-Formulary/Tier 3 $25 minimum or 30% to $150 max 40% to $150 max
Specialty/ Tier 4 $62.50 minimum or 25% to $375 max $50
RX Out of Pocket Max $3,000/$7,000 Varies by Tier ($600/$1200 or $8700/17400)
PLAN TERMS COMPARISON (for In-Network Services)
Medical + RX Out of Pocket Max $8700/$17,400 $8700/$17,400
Disability $43/day max of $300/week
ICI Insurance. 75% of average gross. For the
typical patrol position, this would be just over
$700 per week.
26 week max
Coverage ends upon resignation, retirement,
termination, death, age 70, or end of disability.
Effective 1st day of disability or 8th day after
physician certified disabled due to pregnancy or
illness
Effective after 30 calendar days for most
employees.
Health Insurance premiums suspended during
period of disability up to 26 weeks.ICI premiums waived while on disability.
Death and Dismemberment Employee $40,000 Separate Voluntary Life Insurance options
Spouse $10,000
Children 2-19 up to $3,000
Term insurance available up to 4x annual salary.
Rate is .05 to .22 per $1000 of coverage.
Sp/Dep Coverage $1.60/month/unit for $10,000
Spouse and $5,000 dependent coverage
regarless of number of dependents. May have
up to 2 units.
MISCELANEOUS DIFFERENCES
Dental Separate coverage.
Separate voluntary coverage through Delta
Dental
Premium currently paid by the County, but is
separate from the Health Insurance.
Annual Deductible $25/$75 $0/$100
Annual Benefit Max $2,000 $1000/$2500
Preventive Services (cleanings, x-rays, fluoride,
sealants, routine evals)100%100%
Crowns, bridges, dentures, etc 90%50-60%
Orthodontics 50%50%
Initial Premium Due 2 months Current month.
First month of premium plus one month
equivalent as an Administrative Enrollment Fee
Premiums for coverage only. No initial
administrative fee.
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++681.37
Department 01 - County Board 49,519.00 .00 49,519.00 3,711.87 .00 40,847.22 8,671.78 82 38,021.43
Department 02 - Clerk of Courts 346,277.00 .00 346,277.00 27,469.15 .00 254,000.30 92,276.70 73 254,257.22
Department 04 - Criminal Justice 155,472.00 .00 155,472.00 12,719.47 .00 118,138.02 37,333.98 76 105,307.18
Department 06 - Coroner 15,031.00 .00 15,031.00 1,937.54 .00 10,252.04 4,778.96 68 8,321.35
Department 07 - Administrator 291,164.00 .00 291,164.00 24,009.19 .00 215,482.15 75,681.85 74 212,451.75
Department 08 - District Attorney 167,641.00 .00 167,641.00 14,468.35 .00 127,860.78 39,780.22 76 122,718.95
Department 09 - Child Support 218,283.00 .00 218,283.00 16,928.49 .00 149,986.61 68,296.39 69 141,096.82
Department 10 - County Clerk 355,205.00 .00 355,205.00 28,328.14 .00 260,761.83 94,443.17 73 260,495.31
Department 12 - Treasurer 155,144.00 .00 155,144.00 10,946.14 .00 95,118.11 60,025.89 61 116,349.13
Department 13 - Land Records 406,031.00 .00 406,031.00 37,422.25 .00 292,373.58 113,657.42 72 293,599.32
Department 14 - Court House 269,642.00 .00 269,642.00 20,310.40 .00 192,231.92 77,410.08 71 184,329.09
Department 15 - Register of Deeds 159,208.00 .00 159,208.00 12,583.23 .00 117,019.85 42,188.15 74 110,380.90
Department 17 - Sheriff 3,868,112.00 .00 3,868,112.00 286,787.37 .00 2,549,822.42 1,318,289.58 66 2,660,772.11
Department 18 - Emergency Management 107,323.00 .00 107,323.00 9,134.52 .00 81,913.44 25,409.56 76 102,230.37
Department 19 - Veteran's Services 107,498.00 .00 107,498.00 11,744.46 .00 79,515.00 27,983.00 74 67,269.81
Department 20 - Health 780,246.00 .00 780,246.00 69,595.00 .00 602,093.23 178,152.77 77 524,007.44
Department 22 - Fair .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 23 - Tourism 197,877.00 .00 197,877.00 19,331.61 .00 147,191.10 50,685.90 74 134,279.87
Department 25 - UW Extension 95,121.00 .00 95,121.00 8,233.83 .00 65,356.02 29,764.98 69 68,337.41
Department 26 - Zoning 379,748.00 .00 379,748.00 37,971.24 .00 298,616.68 81,131.32 79 275,383.36
Department 28 - Land Conservation 267,185.00 .00 267,185.00 27,817.76 .00 267,649.60 (464.60)100 215,891.83
Department 29 - Land Use Planning .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++.00
Department 31 - Information Services 310,296.00 .00 310,296.00 25,041.21 .00 227,879.21 82,416.79 73 222,600.00
Department 34 - Forestry 1,000,277.00 .00 1,000,277.00 76,909.66 .00 691,761.78 308,515.22 69 658,069.49
EXPENSE TOTALS $9,702,300.00 $0.00 $9,702,300.00 $783,400.88 $0.00 $6,885,870.89 $2,816,429.11 71%$6,776,851.51
Fund 100 - General Totals
EXPENSE TOTALS 9,702,300.00 .00 9,702,300.00 783,400.88 .00 6,885,870.89 2,816,429.11 71%6,776,851.51
Fund 100 - General Totals ($9,702,300.00)$0.00 ($9,702,300.00)($783,400.88)$0.00 ($6,885,870.89)($2,816,429.11)($6,776,851.51)
Fund 235 - Human Services
EXPENSE
Department 00 - General Fund .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 740.09 (740.09)+++1,516.51
Department 47 - Behavioral Health & Community 219,012.00 .00 219,012.00 21,888.51 .00 184,122.16 34,889.84 84 167,166.74
Department 48 - Community Support Program (CSP)1,671.00 .00 1,671.00 82.65 .00 330.70 1,340.30 20 .00
Department 51 - Regional Crisis Initiative 3,850.00 .00 3,850.00 .00 .00 .00 3,850.00 0 .00
Department 52 - AMSO 581,919.00 .00 581,919.00 47,081.44 .00 405,784.03 176,134.97 70 440,500.91
Department 53 - Family Services 1,530,919.00 .00 1,530,919.00 36,825.09 .00 382,836.48 1,148,082.52 25 404,513.04
Department 54 - Economic Support 395,440.00 .00 395,440.00 29,944.35 .00 250,552.16 144,887.84 63 282,530.18
Run by Paige Terry on 09/30/2022 12:49:21 PM Page 1 of 2
Personnel Financial Through September 30, 2022
Through 09/30/22
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Organization Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 235 - Human Services
EXPENSE
Department 55 - Aging and Disabilities 151,883.00 .00 151,883.00 26,073.27 .00 209,136.50 (57,253.50)138 219,775.66
Department 56 - GWAAR 277,326.00 .00 277,326.00 20,225.29 .00 173,933.97 103,392.03 63 193,312.98
Department 58 - ADRC-Bayfield Co 114,659.00 .00 114,659.00 9,299.44 .00 79,836.30 34,822.70 70 80,254.40
Department 59 - ADRC-North 115,346.00 .00 115,346.00 9,167.66 .00 83,871.60 31,474.40 73 85,715.35
EXPENSE TOTALS $3,392,025.00 $0.00 $3,392,025.00 $200,587.70 $0.00 $1,771,143.99 $1,620,881.01 52%$1,875,285.77
Fund 235 - Human Services Totals
EXPENSE TOTALS 3,392,025.00 .00 3,392,025.00 200,587.70 .00 1,771,143.99 1,620,881.01 52%1,875,285.77
Fund 235 - Human Services Totals ($3,392,025.00)$0.00 ($3,392,025.00)($200,587.70)$0.00 ($1,771,143.99)($1,620,881.01)($1,875,285.77)
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant
EXPENSE
Department 20 - Health 53,645.00 (41,000.00)12,645.00 .00 .00 2,671.87 9,973.13 21 7,442.63
Department 56 - GWAAR 90,000.00 .00 90,000.00 4,654.00 .00 42,336.41 47,663.59 47 .00
EXPENSE TOTALS $143,645.00 ($41,000.00)$102,645.00 $4,654.00 $0.00 $45,008.28 $57,636.72 44%$7,442.63
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant Totals
EXPENSE TOTALS 143,645.00 (41,000.00)102,645.00 4,654.00 .00 45,008.28 57,636.72 44%7,442.63
Fund 276 - American Rescue Plan 2021 Grant Totals ($143,645.00)$41,000.00 ($102,645.00)($4,654.00)$0.00 ($45,008.28)($57,636.72)($7,442.63)
Fund 710 - Highway
EXPENSE
Department 71 - Highway Dept 2,312,561.00 .00 2,312,561.00 165,816.30 .00 1,691,949.46 620,611.54 73 1,597,656.85
EXPENSE TOTALS $2,312,561.00 $0.00 $2,312,561.00 $165,816.30 $0.00 $1,691,949.46 $620,611.54 73%$1,597,656.85
Fund 710 - Highway Totals
EXPENSE TOTALS 2,312,561.00 .00 2,312,561.00 165,816.30 .00 1,691,949.46 620,611.54 73%1,597,656.85
Fund 710 - Highway Totals ($2,312,561.00)$0.00 ($2,312,561.00)($165,816.30)$0.00 ($1,691,949.46)($620,611.54)($1,597,656.85)
Grand Totals
EXPENSE TOTALS 15,550,531.00 (41,000.00)15,509,531.00 1,154,458.88 .00 10,393,972.62 5,115,558.38 67%10,257,236.76
Grand Totals ($15,550,531.00)$41,000.00 ($15,509,531.00)($1,154,458.88)$0.00 ($10,393,972.62)($5,115,558.38)($10,257,236.76)
Run by Paige Terry on 09/30/2022 12:49:21 PM Page 2 of 2
Personnel Financial Through September 30, 2022
Through 09/30/22
Prior Fiscal Year Activity Included
Summary Listing
Human Resources Report / Kris Kavajecz
As of August 31, 2022
ACTIVITY YEAR-TO-DATE
Retirements 0 4
Worker’s Comp Claims 0 23
Resignations 4 26
Terminations 1 1
Other 0 1
HIRES YEAR-TO-DATE
Full-Time 4 28
Part-Time 2 17
Temporary/Seasonal 0 25
Interviews 10 134
Exit Interviews 1 18
Details:
Retirement: None
Resignations: Frances Gross, Planning and Zoning Clerk
Richard Kamm, Social Worker
Ashley Miller, Social Worker
Tony Perkins, Economic Support Specialist
Other: None
Hires: Wendell Michel, Highway Department Patrolman
Russell Denomie, Jailer
Jamie Allen, Behavioral Health Case Manager
Nicole Falk, Human Services Clerk
Heather Doubek, Planning and Zoning Clerk
Jackie Campbell, Jailer
Other Activities:
• Participated in the WCA Regional Diversity, Equity, Inclusion meeting in Hayward along with
Jeff Silbert. Learned how other counties are incorporating DEI into all aspects of their
operations.
• Negotiations with WPPA began. The primary topic of discussion is the Deputy Sheriff shift
schedule.
• Much of the month was spent researching and preparing for WPPA negotiations, Benefits
offerings, and recruiting.
• Participated in a couple of webinars provided by our Labor Attorneys related to Employee
Handbooks and Collective Bargaining.
Human Resources Report / Kris Kavajecz
As of September 30, 2022
ACTIVITY YEAR-TO-DATE
Retirements 0 4
Worker’s Comp Claims 0 23
Resignations 1 28
Terminations 0 1
Other 0 1
HIRES YEAR-TO-DATE
Full-Time 2 30
Part-Time 0 17
Temporary/Seasonal 2 27
Interviews 9 143
Exit Interviews 1 19
Details:
Retirement: None
Resignations: Mary Spoden, LPN
Other: None
Hires: Brigid Reina Williams, GIS Intern
Michelle Arganbright, Youth Justice Case Manager
Brittany maxwell, Economic Support Specialist
Erica Pydo, Occasional Supervisory Support
Other Activities:
• Participated in the Northland College Internship and Work Experience Fair. This was a
productive use of time. Was able to connect with several students about the Social Worker
Tech position as well as summer internship opportunities.
• Participated in a Website Re-design meeting and a couple of informational meetings relating
to the re-design.
• Attended the Regional HR Meeting in Rice Lake. This occurs once per year. This gathering
was an opportunity to with Mindy Dale well in her retirement. Mindy has been the county’s
primary labor attorney for many years.
• Participated in two benefits webinars with the Wisconsin Employee Trust Fund as a pre-
amble to the 2023 Benefits Open Enrollment Period. One was a review of changes for 2023
and the other was an opportunity to ask questions directly to vendors about the various
benefit offerings.
• Negotiations with WPPA continued.
• Much of the month was spent preparing for benefits open enrollment. Updating documents,
coordinating presentations, distributing materials, finalizing benefit offerings. Bayfield
County strives to provide a well-rounded, affordable and attractive benefits package. A
couple of new options are being made available to employees in 2023 at no additional cost
to the county.
• Coordinated a couple of unpaid internships for students enrolled in the Human Services
program through Northwoods Technical College. The program requires students to have 116
hours of internship. Emergency Management and Human Services Departments are
working with these students. A win-win for the County and the students.
• Tag-teamed with Paige to finalize materials and compile the budget books. It’s a hectic time
of year to juggle the budget and open enrollment at the same time. Both are very time-
consuming and require attention to detail.
• Bayfield County is continuing to have challenges recruiting staff. The lack of applications is
concerning and disheartening. This is not unique to Bayfield County. Discussions with area
employers and employers state-wide indicate that this trend is likely to continue into the
foreseeable future. All the more important to continue to offer competitive wages and
benefits, along with a welcoming and innovative workplace.