Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/185868
Sarasota News Leader October 4, 2013 Page 36 One option is to lower the level in the Medical RESERVE DISCUSSION Benefit Reserve Fund from 20 percent to 15 percent, freeing up approximately $500,000 to Several years ago, the County Commission — with different members — voted to keep offset the employee increases. at least a 20-percent reserve in the Medical The $500,000 transfer, which would require Fund. County Commission approval, would decrease the employee rate hike from 15 per- In November, county staff will present options for changing that policy. At that time, staff cent to 10 percent. is expected to have the latest data available Transferring money from the reserve would regarding the insurance premiums, as well as still leave a healthy level in the fund, said updated numbers for the Medical Fund. Botelho. If the board chooses to modify its reserve polDuring the Sept. 25 County Commission meeticy, the county's Office of Financial Planning ing, Commissioner Nora Patterson asked will work with the Office of the County Clerk what level of reserves other counties had. of Court and Comptroller to withdraw a specNeither Manatee nor Pinellas County has a ified amount from the reserve to mitigate the reserve, Botelho replied. employee increase, Botelho said. Commissioner Nora Patterson and County Administrator Randall Reid review material during a meeting. File photo