Butler County approves one-time premium reimbursement for employees

Butler County commissioners approved a one-time premium reimbursement to employees enrolled in county health insurance for the 2024 coverage year, returning a portion of premiums to employees as taxable income.

County staff proposed reimbursing $700 for employees on the family plan and $350 for employees on the single plan, prorated for partial-year enrollments. The reimbursement covers members enrolled from Nov. 1, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2025; staff said the total cost including prorations is $136,558 and the payment will be issued on the third paycheck of October (Oct. 31, 2025). Commissioner Wazak moved approval; Commissioner Murphy seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Staff said the payments are taxable income and noted employees had contributed the premiums previously; the county called the payment a refund of employee-paid premiums rather than a new benefit. Commissioners highlighted the health plan has remained stable and the county's self-insurance reserve is strong, allowing the one-time reimbursement.

Discussion/Direction: Staff will execute payroll processing to prorate payments for employees with partial-year enrollment and will issue the reimbursement on the Oct. 31 payroll. The county will offer direct deposit or check distribution if employees request hand checks.

Action: Motion to approve a one-time reimbursement to employees in the Butler County Health Insurance program ($700 family, $350 single, prorated for partial-year) to be paid 10/31/2025 — moved by Commissioner Wazak, second by Commissioner Murphy; outcome: approved, 5-0.