Brunswick County employees are the County’s most valuable asset. Therefore, it is the County’s desire to offer a very rich and generous menu of fringe benefits to Brunswick County Employees.

Employees are paid bi-weekly and may conveniently have his/her pay deposited directly into their bank account through direct deposit. Funds are available first banking day following payday.

All new employees are required to work in a probationary status for a minimum of six (6) months, but not to exceed nine (9) months.

The County Manager, Assistant County Manager, County Attorney, Clerk to the Board and all Department Heads must establish permanent legal residency within the County within twelve (12) months from the date of initial employment.

Employees accrue annual leave monthly and may use accrued leave upon approval after the probationary period is completed. There is a maximum accumulation of 240 hours per year. Hours over 240 are converted to a Sick Reserve Account at the end of the calendar year. Years of service transferred from eligible NC Governmental Agencies (written documentation required) and the employee’s work schedule is used to determine rate of earning.

Employees earn eight (8) hours per month. (Unlimited accumulation). May transfer in accumulated sick leave from other state/local governmental entities in North Carolina (Written documentation required).

Employees earn fourteen (14) hours per calendar year. May use in increments of 15 minutes up to 3 hours. Leave is pro-rated based as of date of hire.

Employees may use (4) hours per year of unpaid leave to attend their child’s school activities. Approval must be obtained in advance from the Department Head.

Employees are eligible after one year employment with 1250 hours of service. May use twelve (12) workweeks of unpaid leave to care for newborn, adopted or foster children, or to provide care during the serious illness of the employee or immediate family member. Paid leave may be used while on FMLA.

Longevity is paid on the payroll in which the employee’s anniversary date falls. Years of service transferred to Brunswick County from other NC Governmental Units (written documentation required) is used to determine rate.

A voluntary benefit which provides reimbursement for uninsured medical expenses ($1200 annual max) and/or dependent care services ($5000 annual maximum). Pre-taxed. Enrollment effective January 1^st each year.

Employees eligible for full benefits are eligible to participate in the NC 401(k) Program (supplemental retirement plan). The County will contribute 5% to the employee’s account. Employees may also contribute up to 80% before tax of salary, not to exceed $15,000.00 in 2006. A minimum of $10.00 per pay period is required for employee contribution. If you are age 50 or older you are eligible for catch-up contribution. The maximum is $5,000 for 2006.

http://www.nc401k.prudential.com

Employees eligible for full benefits are eligible to participate in the NC Local Governmental Employees Retirement System immediately upon employment. Must contribute 6% for membership. After one year contributing membership in the system, a death benefit of no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000 may be payable at the employee’s death.

http://www.treasurer.state.nc.us/

Eligible for enrollment on the 1^st day of month following 30^th day of employment. Long-term Disability benefits available after a six (6) month elimination period. Employees on Long Term are required by the Insurance Company to apply for Social Security and report all sources of income to Hartford Insurance.

http://www.markiiibrokerage.com/brunswickcountync

Eligible for Group Life Insurance Coverage on the 1^st day of month following 30^th day of employment. Based on annual salary. May purchase Supplemental Coverage for self, spouse and dependent children. Must purchase $10,000 Employee Coverage before supplemental may be offered to spouse and dependents. Maximum spousal coverage $10,000. Maximum child coverage $5,000 to age 19, $500.00 max on child 15 days to 6 months old.

*Written Authorization is Required to Change Employee or Dependent Coverage

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Must be full-time law enforcement officer with power of arrest & primary duty of enforcing criminal laws on public property.

1.       SEPARATE BENEFIT FUND: Automatic enrollment. Weekly disability benefit. Death benefit for qualified members. (Officer must submit claim form to receive benefit).

2.       SEPARATION ALLOWANCE: Payable monthly at separation to qualified Law Enforcement Officers to age 62, death, or re-employment by State department, agency, or institution.

http://www.mycigna.com

Eligible 1^st day of month following 30^th day of employment. Payments based on REASONABLE, USUSAL, CUSTOMARY fees. Services subject to limitations and exclusions. (Refer to Benefit Booklet for details).

PLAN TYPES

No Premium for Employee Only Coverage. May cover eligible dependents and spouse through payroll deducted premiums. Upon separation of service, coverage may continue by paying full premium under the COBRA Option.

CIGNA: “Open Access Plus – In Network Plan”. No Deductible. Pays 100% of covered services. $10 Co-pay to Primary Care Provider; $30 Co-Pay, to Specialist. Must contact Primary Care Physician within 72 hours of visit to Emergency Room. $150 Emergency Room Visit co-payment, waived if admitted. Urgent Care Centers $30 Co-pay. LIMITED VISION CARE BENEFIT. The prescription drug program (2 components) – (1) Caremark Retail Program for filling prescriptions for short-term medicines to receive your full plan benefit: Prescriptions at designated pharmacies: $10.00 Generic, $25.00 Preferred Brand Name and $40.00 Brand Name. (2) Caremark Mail Service Program for long-term/maintenance medicines, since you will be able to receive up to a 90-day supply for a co-pay as follows: $25.00 Generic, $49.00 Preferred Brand Name and $87.00 Brand Name.

CIGNA: “Open Access Plus – Co-Pay Plan”. Deductible applies. (Maximum deductible $250 with Preferred Provider) (Inpatient stay & some outpatient stay) per individual. $20.00 Co-pay to Office Visit Primary Physician, $30.00 Co-pay for Specialist Office Visit. ($500 per individual deductible when using Non-Preferred Providers.) LIMITED VISION CARE BENEFIT. The prescription drug program (2 components) – (1) Caremark Retail Program for filling prescriptions for short-term medicines to receive your full plan benefit: Prescriptions at designated pharmacies: $10.00 Generic, $25.00 Preferred Brand Name and $40.00 Brand Name. (2) Caremark Mail Service Program for long-term/maintenance medicines, since you will be able to receive up to a 90-day supply for a co-pay as follows: $25.00 Generic, $49.00 Preferred Brand Name and $87.00 Brand Name.

DENTAL INDEMNITY: Included with both medical plans. Diagnostic & Preventive Care paid at 100% for two visits per plan year. Pays 80% USUAL, REASONABLE, CUSTOMARY CHARGES after Dental Deductible, on routine services. Pays 50% on replacements. $50 deductible per individual. Maximum Deductible $150 per year per family. Maximum coverage $1000, per individual, per calendar year. When the charges from a dentist for a proposed course of treatment are expected to be over $250.00, a Pre-Treatment Estimate of Benefits is strongly recommended before any services are performed.

Program to assist employees in handling temporary life challenges which may affect their personal/work life. Three screenings and counseling sessions with licensed professionals per family, per year at no cost to the employee. Topics cover substance abuse, life stress, family & marital discord, children’s behavior problems, emotional distress such as depression or anxiety, or grief and loss. Includes training and supervisory consultations. Confidential Offices: Brunswick or New Hanover County. Access services 24hours/7days a week; contact number: (910) 512-6004