Summary of Employee Benefits

Holidays

The Holiday Schedule is revised and adopted by the Board of Commissioners every year. Some departments, such as the Transfer Station, are required to operate on an amended holiday schedule. Traditional County holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days) and Christmas (2 days).

Immediately

Vacation Leave

Less than 2 years: 10 days per year

2-5 years: 12 days per year

5-10 years: 15 days per year

10-15 years: 18 days per year

15-20 years: 21 days per year

Greater than 20 years: 24 days per year

Immediately Begin Earning

Sick Leave

12 days per year (earned in hourly increments bi-weekly). Unused sick leave from qualifying governmental entities may be transferred to Henderson County (maximum transfer of 30 days).

Immediately Begin Earning

Retirement

Participation in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System (LGERS)/North Carolina Local Governmental Law Enforcement Officers' Retirement System (LEORS) is mandatory. An employee contributes 6% of his/her salary to their retirement account. The County contributes a percentage as required by the Department of State Treasurer.

Immediately

Death Benefit

If an employee dies while actively employed or within 180 days of the last day for which salary was paid, a lump sum payment equal to the 12 months salary in a row during the 24 months before an employee's death. Payment is one times salary but no less than $25,000 and no more than $50,000.

Effective after participating in the LGERS/LEORS for one year

Bereavement/Funeral Leave

Eligible for up to 3 consecutive days at regular pay with no deduction from other leave balances due to death of specified relatives.

Immediately

Health and Dental Insurance

(Voluntary)

Employees choose between two benefit plans: Blue Options PPO and Blue Options HDP/HSA. Employees have the option to cover dependents and are responsible for these insurance premiums. Employees are charged a fee per pay period for employee-only medical insurance premiums. If the employee chooses to participate in and qualifies for the wellness program this fee is waived. Part-time employees' health & insurance premiums are pro-rated.

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Deferred Compensation Programs

(Voluntary)

401(k) - Tax-deferred investment opportunities

Employee may begin participation immediately

457 (b) - Tax-deferred investment opportunities

Employee may begin participation immediately

County 2% match - If an employee is contributing, Henderson County will match their contributions up to 2% of his/her eligible compensation.

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Flexible Spending Accounts

(Voluntary)

Pre-taxed accounts which may be used to pay for health care expenses not covered under an insurance plan and/or certain dependent care expenses

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment
Program runs from July 1 - June 30

Voluntary Insurance Products

Offers products such as life insurance, short-term disability, accident, and cancer policies on an employee pay basis.

First day of the month after completing 30 days of employment

Employee Assistance Program

Professional assistance to help employees resolve problems which are affecting the employee and/or the employee's family; online Work-Life Center.

Immediately

COBRA

Continues health benefits for separating employees and families for 18 months or up to 36 months for certain circumstances

Upon termination of health benefits

Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) Membership

Banking option

Immediately

Direct Deposit

Automatic deposit of an employee's paycheck to his/her personal checking or savings account. All employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit.

Upon completion and processing of Direct Deposit Authorization Form