EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

NOTE:  The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.  Applicants who are offered employment with the City of Lake Stevens will be required to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence status or employment authorization, and proof of identification (photo I.D.). This requirement is the result of the 1986 Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act.  This law also prohibits the hiring and/or continued employment of unauthorized aliens.

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PAID LEAVE

Vacation Leave
Vacation hours are earned on a monthly basis according to the following schedule:

• 1 through 12 months of employment = 6.67 hrs/month (80 hrs/year)
• 13 through 36 months of employment = 7.33 hrs/month (88 hrs/year)
• 37 through 60 months of employment = 8.67 hrs/month (104 hrs/year)
• 61 through 120 months of employment  = 10.67 hrs/month (128 hrs/year)
• 121 through 180 months of employment = 12.67 hrs/month (152 hrs/year)
• 181 through 240 months of employment = 15.33 hrs/month (184 hrs/year)
• 241 or more months of employment = 16.67 hrs/month (200 hrs/year)

Sick Leave  
Currently, regular City employees receive 8 hours of sick leave per month (96 hours per year).

Holidays  
Currently, regular City employees (except Police) receive 10 paid holidays, plus 2 floating holidays per year.  Police Officers receive 96 hours off in lieu of holiday benefits.

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RETIREMENT

State Pension
Regular employees of the City are mandatory members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) except Police Officers who are members of the Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System (LEOFF).  Employees and the City contribute jointly to the plans.

Social Security
All employees participate in the Social Security System.

Deferred Compensation Plan
City employees have the option of participating in employee funded 457 Deferred Compensation plans.  The City currently offers two plans: Washington State Deferred Compensation and Nationwide Retirement Solutions.  Both plans offer pre-taxable benefits and a variety of investment opportunities.

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HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical

Non-Represented Employees: The City offers either Regence/Blue Shield HealthFirst or Group Health ($10 Co-pay Plan) through the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefits Trust (AWC).  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, 90% for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Teamster's Represented Employees (Public Works): The City offers either Regence/Blue Shield HealthFirst or Group Health ($10 Co-pay Plan) through the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefits Trust (AWC).  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, 90% for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Police Guild Represented Employees: The City offers either Regence/Blue Shield HealthFirst or Group Health ($10 Co-pay Plan) through the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefits Trust (AWC).  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, 90% for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Dental

Non-Represented Employees: The City offers either Washington Dental Service (Plan-A) or Willamette Dental ($10 Co-pay Plan) through the AWC Employee Benefits Trust.  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, 90% for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Teamster's Represented Employees (Public Works): The City offers Washington Teamster's Welfare Trust Dental Plan-A.  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, and a portion for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Police Guild Represented Employees: The City offers either Washington Dental Service (Plan-A) or Willamette Dental ($10 Co-pay Plan) through the AWC Employee Benefits Trust.  The City pays 100% of the premiums for employees, 90% for dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Vision

Non-Represented Employees: The City offers Vision Service Plan (VSP $25 Co-pay Plan) through the AWC Employee Benefits Trust.  The City pays 100% of the premiums for both employees and dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Teamster's Represented Employees (Public Works): The City offers Washington Teamster's Welfare Trust Vision Plan EXT.   The City pays 100% of the premiums for both employees and dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Police Guild Represented Employees: The City offers Vision Service Plan (VSP $25 Co-pay Plan) through the AWC Employee Benefits Trust.  The City pays 100% of the premiums for both employees and dependents/qualified domestic partners.

Employee Assistance Program
The City offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through the AWC Employee Benefits Trust.  The EAP provides short-term, confidential counseling for City employees and their families.  If needed, the EAP can also provide referrals to mental health professionals for more extensive, ongoing treatment.

 
Supplemental Insurance
Employees have the option to purchase supplemental insurance plans such as life insurance, short-term disability and supplemental dental insurance through the AFLAC. Many of the plans feature pre-taxable benefits.

State Industrial Insurance Act
Employees are covered by Industrial Insurance through the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

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OTHER

Life Insurance
Employees are currently covered with a $50,000 life insurance policy provided through Standard Insurance.

Long-Term Disability Insurance
Employees are currently covered with a “60% after 60 day” long-term disability insurance policy provided through Standard Insurance.

Flexible Spending Benefit Program
Employees have the opportunity to participate in a Section 125 Flexible Spending Benefits Program provided through AFLAC. A flexible spending account enables an employee to redirect a portion of their salary to provide reimbursement for two specific types of expenses: Dependent care and unreimbursed medical expenses. Redirected amounts feature pre-taxable benefits.

Direct Payroll Deposit
Employees can elect to have their paychecks electronically deposited into a checking or savings account of their choice.

Credit Union
An independent employee credit union provides savings and loan service.

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EMPLOYMENT

Hours of Work
The normal workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday; however, some positions have alternate schedules or require weekend, shift, holiday or overtime work. Police Officers work 3-12 hour shifts with three days off.

Orientation Period
Regular employment status is subject to the successful completion
of a six-month orientation period.  Entry-level Police Officers serve an eighteen-month orientation period.   Lateral (Experienced) Police Officers serve a twelve-month orientation period. During the orientation period, your ability to fulfill the standards and expectations for the Department and the City will be closely evaluated.