Human Resources FAQ

The Human Resources Department is a four person operation which manages wages, benefits, personnel data and the application of policies and procedures for over 700 employees of the County.   The Human Resources Director and two Human Resources Assistants are located in Concord in the Commissioners Office and the Personnel Secretary is located in Boscawen at the Merrimack County Nursing Home.
 
One of the more important responsibilities of the Human Resources Department  is the on-going administration and maintenance of the County’s benefits program.  In general, these benefits include:

  • Health Insurance
  • Health Insurance for Retirees
  • Dental Insurance
  • Section 125 Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Differentials
  • Sick Leave
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Accumulated Annual Leave
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Tuition Assistance
  • 11 or 12 Paid Holidays
  • Longevity
  • NH State Retirement Plan
  • Optional Health Benefit

      Note:  Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment status

The cost of providing and maintaining these benefits is substantial to the County.  Health insurance rates for Matthew Thornton subscribers increased 2.85% and  Harvard Pilgrim advanced 10.66% for the 2006 plan year.  Health insurance rates for S.E.A. contract employees received increases of 5.4% for BC/BS JW coverage, 6.5% increase for BlueChoice and 8.9% increase for Matthew Thornton health plans.  The County continues to pay 90% for a single plan; 85% for 2 a person plan and 80% for a family plan.

Longevity Bonus Awards were distributed based on the following years of service:

 

$500
5-9 Years

 

$700
10 – 14 Years

 

$1,000
15 – 19 Years

 

$1,200
20 + Years

 

12 Employees

 

61 Employees

 

46 Employees

 

53 Employees

 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Board of Commissioners, County Administrator Kathleen Bateson, and the Department Heads of Merrimack County for their continued support and valued assistance throughout 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Sara A. Lewko, PHR, Human Resources Director