Benefits
Caldwell County is pleased to provide this Summary of Benefits to you and we have briefly described those benefits areas in which you might be interested. This summary does not, nor is it intended as a full explanation of each area. Please consult the Personnel Policy or contact Human Resources for appropriate details and explanation.
Healthcare
Health Insurance
Caldwell County offers PPO health insurance plans administered by the North Carolina State Health Plan. Major medical benefits are available for regular employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week. Coverage is available for eligible dependents at current group rates.
COBRA
The Comprehensive Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act - (COBRA) provides for the County to offer former employees and/or dependents continuation of group health plan coverage for up to 18 months or 36 months when specific events occur. In addition, certain members may continue group health plan coverage for up to 29 months when disabled.
Dental Care
Dental Insurance
Caldwell County offers a dental insurance plan administered by Ameritas. Dental benefits are available for 100% of annual preventive care procedures twice a plan year and after a $50 annual deductible, the plan pays 80% of routine procedures, and 50% of non-routine procedures up to $2000 per benefit period. At current group rates, employees may purchase coverage for their dependents.
Leave
Annual Leave
Caldwell County grants 15 to 33 days of annual leave per year for regular employees based on years of service.
| Years of aggregate service | Hours earned per pay period | Days earned per year |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 | 10 | 15 |
| 2 but less than 5 | 12 | 18 |
| 5 but less than 10 | 14 | 21 |
| 10 but less than 15 | 16 | 24 |
| 15 but less than 20 | 18 | 27 |
| 20 but less than 30 | 20 | 30 |
| 30 plus | 22 | 33 |
Sick Leave
Regular employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month with the unused accumulation applying toward retirement benefits after meeting basic retirement qualifications.
Holiday Leave
Caldwell County follows the North Carolina State Holiday Schedule and grants 12 paid holidays and Day of Personal Observance per year for regular employees. Holidays include: New Years, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday), Christmas Day plus two additional days.
Tuition Reimbursement
For employees working toward a degree from an accredited college or university to gain skills that will benefit the County, Caldwell County will reimburse $2,500 per semester of the employees tuition, fees, and book costs.
Longevity
After five years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment (as approved by the Board of Commissioners). The amount is based on years of service and is included in the November payroll.
Pay Periods
County employees are paid monthly with payment being made on the last working day of each month. Direct Deposit is mandatory.
Prior Service Credit
Under certain conditions, previous North Carolina or any North Carolina jurisdictional work experience may be credited toward vacation accrual and longevity payment. Previously accrued sick leave may also be recognized.
Retirement
Local Government Employee Retirement System (LGERS)
Regular full-time and part-time employees (including law enforcement officers) are covered under the North Carolina Local Governmental Employee's Retirement System (LGERS). LGERS is a defined benefit plan. Under this type of plan the benefit you receive at retirement is based on a formula. This formula considers your years and months of creditable service, your age, and your average final compensation. Participation is mandatory for all permanent full-time employees and part time employees working 20 hours or greater. Caldwell County contributes the amount as determined by the Local Government Employees Retirement System and the employee contributes 6%.
401(k)
Caldwell County offers a 401(k) plan for all benefit-eligible employees. The plan is administered through Prudential Retirement and offers both a pre-tax and Roth 401(k) after-tax option.
457 Plan
Caldwell County offers a 457 Retirement Savings Plan that is administered through Nationwide Retirement and offers a pre-tax option.
Tax Deferred Programs
Tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), Flexible Spending Account, 401 (k) and 457 (Deferred Compensation). Retirement and Health Care deductions are established under pre-taxed provisions.
Life Insurance
Caldwell County provides basic Term Life insurance for regular employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week. Coverage for Department Heads is in the amount of $50,000 and Supervisors $25,000, with all other employees having $10,000 in coverage. Supplemental life insurance is available at current group rates.
Employee Assistance Program
Available to all regular County employees and eligible dependents to assist in the treatment of any problems affecting work performance. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting.
Wellness
The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program.
Credit Union
Regular employees are eligible for membership in the State Employees Credit Union. The North Carolina Local Government Employees Federal Credit Union and North Carolina State Employees' Credit Union offer a variety of savings and other financial plans including direct deposit of payroll checks. You must personally contact the Credit Union to arrange these services.
Casual Day
Once each week, and as appropriate, employees may "dress down" and enjoy a casual dress day.
Mark III Employee Benefits is Caldwell County's Benefits Consultant. View benefits online