06/08/2010 Resolutions 2010-158RESOLUTION 2010-158
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island is offering an early retirement program to
employees who qualify; and
WHEREAS, the early retirement program will allow the City to pay the employer's
share of the COBRA premium for a period not to exceed 18 months; and
WHEREAS, this program is a onetime event;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, to approve a onetime early retirement program for
qualified employees.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska, June 8, 2010.
~~~~~~
Margar Hornady, Mayor
Attest:
~~~~ ~~~~
RaNae Edwards, City Clerk
Approved as to Form n~_
June 7, 2010 p City Attorney
Early Retirement Program
Employees who are within 18 months of retirement eligibility as of 06/01/10 with the City
of Grand Island may elect to take this one time opportunity to voluntarily retire early.
This program is independent from other programs and benefits offered through the City
Personnel Rules or Labor Agreements. Eligibility is outlined below:
Eligibility:
• Currently employed in a full-time regular status position
• Is within 18 months of retirement as outlined in the City Personnel Rules or as
defined by state statute in the case of public safety employees
• Has completed- at least 5 years of continuous full-time service
The employee will be eligible for compensation for unused leave banks as outlined by
either the Personnel Rules or their respective Labor Agreement. In addition they will
be eligible for assistance with COBRA premiums. The City will pay the employer's
portion of the health insurance premium for a maximum of 18 months or until the
employee or their spouse is eligible for Medicare (whichever comes first).
Eligible employees will need to submit an application by 07/09/10 to their Department
Director and the Human Resources Director. Applications will be reviewed and
qualifying employees will be notified no later than 07/15/10. The Human Resources
Director will notify the employee in writing of their application approval and will outline
the amount that the employee will pay for their share of the health and dental insurance
premium. Early retirements will take place from August 1, 2010 through August 27,
2010.
Terms and Conditions:
• The employee must pay their share of the premium or will lose their opportunity
to participate in this program
• Premiums may change at the annual renewal date
• Employees who do not chose to participate during the application period will not
be allowed to enter the program at a later date
Once the employee reaches age 65 they are no longer eligible for coverage,
however, the spouse and/or dependents will be able to stay on the insurance at
the employee's rate until the initial 18 months has expired or they reach age 65
(whichever occurs first), or they may exhaust other COBRA benefits at their
expense
• If the early retiree or their spouse accepts employment with another employer
and is eligible for coverage for themselves and/or their dependents, the retiree
must notify the City and end coverage under this program.
This program is voluntary and at the discretion of the employee. Once the application is
accepted and the qualifications for the program have been verified, acceptance of the
retirement will be final.