Cary Town Council Passes Important Policy Revisions

The Cary Town Council recently passed important policy revisions in regards to retiree benefits. Revisions to Policy Statement 110 - Retiree Benefits (HR06-03) was passed on December 15, 2005.   Part of this policy revision was of serious concern to the membership and had been initially addressed through candidate screenings on August 29, 2005.  These candidates were seeking election to various council positions along with the endorsement of the PBA.   One of the questions centered around providing health insurance benefits on the same basis as a retiree for disabled officers who become disabled and entitled to a benefit.  The question sought to seek support of Senate Bill 1082 which had been introduced in 2005 in support of this benefit for disabled officers.  The endorsement of Julie Robison in an at-large race proved to be a catalyst for this issue.  Her interest in this issue along with the support of Nels Roseland allowed the issue to come to the forefront.  The remaining council members consisting of Ernie McAlister, Mike Joyce, Marla Dorrel, Jennifer Robinson, and Jack Smith voted unanimously for the policy with the specific concern addressed.    The specific wording that was added to the policy to address the issue is as follows: 

Town employees who are approved for and receive disability retirement from LGERS as a direct result of a serious personal injury received in the line of duty for the Town, and who have less than 15 years of service with the Town, may make application to Council for payment of a portion of their individual medical premium under this policy.  Council may make a determination to credit the retiree with between fifteen (15) and twenty–five (25) years of service such that they will be eligible for some, or full payment toward their individual medical premium. 

This wording ensures that a disabled officer will be allowed to make direct application to the Town Council for a portion or full payment toward their individual medical premium.   The wording also ensured the benefit for other Town employees.