the Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, March 10, 2006 6:00 pm
City salaries account for the bulk of personnel costs, but the city also spends an average of $14,189 on benefits for each full-time employee.
Most full-time city employees receive the following benefits:
* Retirement: If civilian employees contribute 3 percent of the first $4,800 of their earnings, the city contributes 6.3 percent. Beyond that, the city contributes 12 percent for employees who put in 6 percent.
Police and fire employees can choose from three defined benefit pension plans. Under one plan, for example, they can retire when they reach 50 and have 25 years of service, and are paid a monthly pension equal to 64 percent of their average monthly base pay. Police officers and firefighters contribute 8 percent of their base pay to the pension fund and the city contributes a fluctuating amount, currently 10.76 percent. Police and fire retirees were awarded an average pension of $33,153 last year and an average of $28,249 annually since 1995.
* Health insurance: The city pays 78 percent to 98.5 percent of costs, depending on the type of coverage and union that represents the employee. *
* Dental insurance: The city pays 50 percent to 100 percent of costs. *
* Life insurance: The city provides $30,000 to $50,000 in basic life insurance, with the option to buy $100,000 employee and dependent coverage at employee cost. *
* Deferred compensation: Tax-sheltered savings for retirement.
* Payroll deductions: For mutual funds, Roth IRA and a college savings plan. No city match.
* Vision insurance: The employee pays the full cost.
* Long-term disability: One half of salary, up to $3,000 per month after six months of disability.
* Vacation: The amount of time off varies, but three civilian employee groups get 80 to 88 hours annually their first year, 112 to 120 hours after five years, 128 to 136 after 10 years, 160 to 168 hours after 15 years and 184 to 200 hours after 20. One of the three groups gives 200 hours after 25 years of experience.
* Sick leave: 12 days per year. A portion may be paid out upon retirement in cash or post-employment health plan, depending on the bargaining unit.
* Holidays: Seven to 10 regular holidays and up to two personal days per year. *
* Half-price bus passes.
* Post-employment health plan for some positions. *
* Vary depending on familial status, classification and bargaining group.
Source: City of Lincoln