The Adams County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) and Sheriff Doug Darr are pleased to announce a change in county policy. The BOCC adopted a resolution in public hearing on May 23, 2005 to supplement the salaries of Adams County employees who are serving in the current military campaign.
“This was a unanimous board decision as a result of considerable analysis of the military pay structure,” said BOCC Chairman Larry W. Pace.
Previous to today’s decision, if a county employee was called to active duty, the only salary they would receive would be from the military. The BOCC and Sheriff Darr have revisited this issue and agreed to take substantial steps to assist Adams County military reservists when they are called to active duty.
The commissioners and sheriff were briefed recently from a representative of the state Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Office. This presentation provided the commissioners and sheriff with a comprehensive review of salaries and benefits offered by other government entities in the state of Colorado that helped support the policy change.
“We appreciate the opportunity we had to study this issue in depth and to analyze the facts before us,” said Commissioner Alice Nichol. “This information allowed us to make an informed decision that will provide relief to our employees who are called to serve our country.”
Currently 12 Adams County employees are members of the National Guard or military reserve. Two employees are on notice that they will be called up.
“This policy change is a move in the right direction,” said Commissioner W.R. “Skip” Fischer. “I have been a strong proponent of this policy for over a year and am delighted to see a successful outcome. It sends a strong message to our military reservists that we are concerned about them and their families’ well being.”
“Some of our reservists have endured hardships when they were activated,” said Darr. “My concern is for the men and women of Adams County who are fighting for our freedom. I cannot imagine being in a war, fighting to stay alive, fighting for our country, and being worried about my spouse and kids being able to feed themselves or keep a roof over their heads. With the supplemental pay, reservists can have peace of mind and comfort in knowing their families will be able to survive in their absence.”
The supplement will make up the difference between the employee’s county pay and military pay and allowances. Additionally, the county will also pay the full cost of health care coverage for the reservists and their families for up to 12 months.
“When a soldier goes to war, a family goes to war,” said Pace. “Changing health plans is disruptive especially when it involves leaving familiar doctors or switching to a new provider mid-treatment. Having continuity in health care coverage and having the county pick up the employee’s portion of their health care coverage should ease the burden for these families. We want to do what we can to provide financial and mental relief to these fine soldiers and their families.”
Sheriff Darr expressed his sincere appreciation the BOCC gave this issue. “This policy change represents a positive partnership,” said Darr. “It is important for elected officials to work together and help maintain the quality of life for our employees. We are doing the right thing, which is a positive step forward.”