By By NORMA LERNER / Niles Daily Star
CASSOPOLIS – A revised policy for salaried employees will save Cass County Road Commission funds this year.
On Thursday, during a special meeting of the road commission, changes were adopted during a review of the salaried employee policy that will save approximately $28,000 per year by changing some benefits and shortening days off by one day a year.
Proposals were made after a study of the policy by Manager Louis Csokasy. The biggest changes are in leaves of absences, vacation days off for long-term employees and health insurance. Csokasy said of the changes, "It's a reduction in salary benefits. This brings benefits in line which is what is more acceptable in the environment. Benefits in society are reduced, and we have to recognize that."
The changes are as follows:
Leaves of absences were reduced from six months to two months with managers approval. Vacation time for those over 30-years of employment was capped at 25 days. Previously employees received one day a year per service. Sick leaves were reduced to 10 a year from 12. Dental insurance was changed from 100 percent coverage to 80 percent coverage. Prescription glasses will be paid every two years instead of every year at $500. Funeral days will be allowed according to the family involved rather than so many days off per relative involved. The policy involves 10 employees.
The changes become effective July 1.
Chairman LeRoy Krempec said the status of the bridge closing over Christiana Creek on Redfield Road in Ontwa Township is not known as of yet. A response is waiting from an engineering firm hired to assess the bridge damage from high water. The bridge has been closed for several weeks.
The next road commission meeting is at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 9.