Ordinance amending Section 3.79.130(G)(4)(e) of the Bellevue City Code to increase the percentages of sick leave accruals employees may cash out upon retirement or separation and provide that the payment will be deposited into the employee’s health reimbursement arrangement account.

Summary

Ordinance No. 6893 amends Bellevue City Code Section 3.79.130(G)(4)(e) to enhance the sick leave cash-out benefit for employees with 20 or more years of service. Eligible employees can now cash out 20% of unused sick leave (up to 288 hours) deposited into a VEBA health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) account. An additional 5% (up to a total of 360 hours) is available for those who have waived city health coverage for three years. This change aims to improve employee retention and recruitment competitiveness.

Citizen Impact

This ordinance enhances benefits for city employees upon retirement or separation, potentially impacting the city's long-term financial liability for sick leave payouts, estimated at $270,000 in the current budget cycle.

Confidence

high