Dodge County's Employee Benefits
Information for Job Applicants

Dodge County’s Compensation Plan is designed to utilize available resources in an effort to meet the needs of our employees now and into the future. A County employee is eligible for the following benefits if he/she is scheduled to work at least 36 hours per week, in a regular non-temporary position. If you have benefit questions that are not answered here, please contact Employee Relations at 507-635-6239. Complete information regarding these benefits is provided to newly hired employees at New Employee Orientation.

NOTE: Certain benefit provisions may differ slightly for those employees covered by union contracts or with unique employment circumstances.

The County’s Compensation Plan is made of the following components:

• The Dodge County Cafeteria Plan
  Designed with the individual needs of employees in mind. It allows each employee the freedom to design a coverage package that approximates his or her specific requirements. The County contributes a set amount of money, determined annual to be applied towards benefits available in the Cafeteria Plan. Coverage under the Cafeteria Plan is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. The Cafeteria Plan is made up of the following components
  • Health Insurance – Each employee can choose from Family or Single coverage under our VEBA Plan. A health plan savings account is part of this program.
  • Life Insurance – The County provides each benefit-earning employee with a $20,000 basic life insurance policy. Additional life insurance can be purchased up to the maximum allowed by the carrier. A Health History is required.
  • Dependent Life Insurance – Supplemental life insurance is available for your spouse and/or children.
  • Dental Insurance – Each employee can choose from Family or Single coverage and then from the available levels of coverage: Preventative or Comprehensive.
  • Long-Term Disability (LTD) – This coverage can be purchased to replace up to 60% of your income in the event of a qualified disability. The County pays for the first $500/month policy.
  • Flexible Spending Account – Pre-tax dollars can be set aside to pay for Medical and/or Daycare expenses. IRS rules apply.

Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota (PERA)
Recognizing the need for a retirement program for employees of state and local governments, the Minnesota Legislature created PERA. You and your employer both contribute to PERA on your behalf. An amount, pre-determined by the Legislature, is contributed through payroll deductions. Dodge County matches your deduction and contributes an additional .50 percent of that amount. Employees are vested in the plan after 3 years. If an employee terminates before vesting occurs, his/her own contributions are refunded plus nominal interest.

Holiday Pay
The following holidays are official holidays for Dodge County employees, unless otherwise designated by Department policy or collective bargaining agreement. New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (1/2 day), and Christmas Day. Employees may be excused from work these days with compensation except those required to maintain necessary operations. Normally offices are closed on these days.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
While traditional paid vacation, sick leave and bereavement leave have been in place for many years, these programs are highly structured, with extensive rules being applied to the actual use of time off. PTO, on the other hand, may be utilized for any purpose, subject only to normal, non-intrusive request and/or approval procedures. . All full-time PTO participants receive Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disabilty ($500/month policy). PTO accrual is credited each payroll and the employee may begin using PTO anytime after it is earned. Up to 480 hours of unused PTO may be carried from year to year and will be paid off upon termination of employment. PTO accrual rates are as follows:

Year 1 - 16 days; 2-5 years - 20 days; 6-10 years -24 days; 11-15 years - 28 days; 16-20 years - 32 days; and 21+ years - 36 days.

Short-Term Disability
Short-term Disability (STD) is a program of temporary assistance which provides short term income during recovery from from a qualifying injury or illness. Dodge County self-funds a STD program in which benefits are paid up to the 90th day of a qualifying disability. Employees must be covered under the cafeteria plan to qualify.

Salary Schedule
The schedule for your classification can be obtained from the Employee Relations Director. The Dodge County plan is reviewed annually to determine market competitiveness. Salary schedules are established in each union agreement.

Deferred Compensation
Program Employees may participate in a voluntary IRS Section 457 tax-deferral program by setting aside and investing a part of their pre-tax salary (up to a specific limit) and postponing paying income taxes on this salary and investment earnings until after retirement. Dodge County provides the the opportunity to join a deferred compensation plan through payroll deduction. These are optional programs offered by Nationwide Retirement Solutions. More information on this program is available from the Administration Office.

Employee Assistance Program
Free access to independent, confidential, and professional assessment and short-term counseling services available to employees and family members.

Direct Deposit
Employees' paychecks are directly deposited to a checking and/or savings account(s).

Credit Union
Optional enrollment in Affinity Plus Credit Union or Think Credit Union offering savings plans, money market/certificate accounts, checking, IRAs, installment loans payroll deduction.

Dodge County Social Club
The Social Club sponsors several social gatherings throughout the year (usually once a month). It is a good way to become acquainted with other Dodge County employees and have fun at the same time.