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SEARCH BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONTACT DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HOME Employee Costs This page covers the many benefits that are provided to employees of this County based upon the latest negotiations between Kern County and the following recognized bargaining units ("unions"): Service Employees International Union (SEIU & SEIU-CJU) Kern County Fire Fighters' Union (KCFFU) Kern County Prosecutors' Association (KCPA) Kern Law Enforcement Association (KLEA) Kern County Sheriff's Command Association (KCSCA & KCSCA II) Kern County Detention Officer's Association (KCDOA), and Kern County Probation Officer's Association (KCPOA). A summary of the mandatory benefit programs and their related costs is noted below. Participation in the following programs is currently considered mandatory for newly hired employees: Health Benefits: In general, employees hired after 4/15/97 are required to enroll in County health benefits unless they have other group health insurance and timely sign a declination form certifying that other coverage. All employees who enroll in health benefits must enroll in all three components (medical, dental and vision). Individual component participation is not allowed. The cost of health coverage depends on plan chosen and number of dependents. As of September 1, 2007 the range of costs per bi-weekly payroll period for most employees will be: Single (employee only) coverage: $45.69 - $47.06 Two-party coverage: $87.61 - $89.76 Family coverage: $129.51 - $132.44 Retirement Plan: Employees hired before August 2, 2004 pay an employee contribution to retirement until attaining five years of retirement covered service, at which time the County begins to pay 100% of that contribution. Employees hired after August 2, 2004 will pay an employee contribution to retirement which does not change based on years of covered service. Retiree Health Premium Supplement Program: This program was designed to help pay for health benefits upon retirement. In general, represented employees are required to contribute unless they will never receive benefit from the program because they will not meet the years of service/age criteria (i.e., employees who are age 45 or older when hired do not participate). The contribution to this program is 1.62% of base wages. Union Dues/Representation Fee: New employees represented by one of the recognized bargaining units shall either (1) become a member of the Union or (2) pay to the Union a representation fee. The representation fee shall not exceed 90% of the amount that a Union member would pay. Bi-weekly union dues range as follows: General employees (SEIU & SEIU-CJU): $9.44 to $18.40 Firefighters (KCFFU): $37.54 Deputy district attorneys (KCPA): $6.00 to $14.00 Sheriff deputies and sergeants (KLEA): $ 33.58 Sheriff Commanders, Sheriff Lieutenants and Detention Lieutenants (KCSCA & KCSCA II): $20.00 Detention Officers (KCDOA): $16.15 Probation Officers (KCPOA): 1% of base salary This summary is not intended to provide an entire description of the benefit plans. Revised 9/07 (Note: Benefits may differ from those listed due to changes in the Memoranda of Understanding.) | County Home | Search | Board of Supervisors | Contact Dept | Dept Home | | About Us | County Budget | Public Information | Investor Information | Labor Relations | | Employee Benefits | Intergovernmental Relations | Legislation | Site Map | Last Modified 9/6/2007 Site maintained by webmaster@co.kern.ca.us Disclaimer Privacy Policy