The Durham County Board of Commissioners held a budget work session on May 20, 2025, focusing on employee benefits and health plan comparisons. The meeting highlighted the county's efforts to maintain competitive benefits while managing costs effectively.

A key discussion point was the comparison of Durham County's employee benefits to those in the private sector and other local governments. Officials noted that while private sector benefits can vary significantly by location and industry, Durham County's benefits are benchmarked against a select group of large local governments in North Carolina. The county aims to provide a balance between affordable employee contributions and comprehensive coverage options.

The meeting revealed that the deductible for the county's health plan has increased from $1,000 to $2,250, placing it on the higher end of the peer group. However, the out-of-pocket maximum remains competitive at $4,500. The county continues to offer a $0 cost plan for employees, which is a rarity among its peers, particularly for those enrolled in the base plan.

In addition to health plan details, the session emphasized the importance of the county's on-site wellness clinic, which provides immediate access to healthcare for employees and their dependents. The clinic aims to reduce overall healthcare costs by encouraging employees to utilize its services. Other wellness initiatives discussed included free access to generics at the public health department, unlimited nutritional counseling, and fitness programs that incentivize physical activity during work hours.

The county has also expanded its benefits to include coverage for hearing aids and access to mental health resources, such as the Headspace app. These enhancements reflect Durham County's commitment to attracting and retaining employees through a comprehensive benefits package.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's strategic approach to employee benefits, balancing cost management with the need to provide valuable health resources to its workforce. The discussions set the stage for future budget considerations and potential adjustments to the benefits program.