County amends employee longevity pay, budget items

Commissioners agreed Monday to change the terms of longevity pay for county employees in an effort to attract and retain valuable team members.

Longevity pay was intended to show appreciation towards employees for continued service in Bosque County but was capped at 15 years.

“Our long-term employees often act as mentors and trainers, andtheir accumulated knowledge is invaluable,” Bosque County Human Resources Director Darcie Ragsdale said.

Ragsdale requested commissioners remove the cap for longevity pay, allowing the most seasoned employees to be eligible.

The change in terms would cost the county approximately $16,000, which would come from the about $55,000 saved after changing the county’s health insurance plan last year.

Also Monday commissioners approved two budget line-item transfers. The sheriff’s office transferred $1,193 from liability to property insurance, and the AgriLife Extension Office transferred $1,000 from 4-H supervision to travel to cover expenses through the end of the year.

BosqueCountycommissioners also:

■ Took action to pay claims, salaries and wages against county and precinct funds.

■ Received June 2024 monthly reports from On-Site Sewage Facilities Clerk Wynn Moore; the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office; County Clerk Tab Ferguson; District Clerk Juanita Miller; JP Pct. 1 Jeff Hightower; and JP Pct. 2 Michele Valdez.

■ Received and opened bids for group medical insurance and ancillary insurance coverage from United Healthcare, Amco and Baylor Scott & White; commissioners were to review bids before taking action at a later date.

■ Approved election judges and central count personnel lists for the 2024-2025 term.

■ Approved a request from Commissioner Pct. 2 Terry Townley to advertise for bids to repair a low water crossing on County Road 2435 at Duffau Creek near Iredell.