Warren County government’s contribution into its employees’ retirement is under review.

The county participates in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System, which is a defined benefit pension plan that covers state employees, higher education employees, K-12 public school teachers, and employees of political subdivisions who have elected to participate in the plan.
Currently, Warren County contributes 11 percent. The state is recommending a minimum contribution of 9.14 percent.

“The state has identified our minimum employer rate as 9.14 percent,” said Finance Department director Linda Hillis. “They are recommending we pay more than the minimum. Last year, we chose to pay the 11 percent. It’s entirely up to the committee.”

Commissioner Terry Bell motioned to lower the contribution to 9.5 percent and stated, “Couldn’t we reduce that to 9.5 and help with health insurance maybe? That’s 1.5 percent on every employee that could be used to actually help in some other area.”

While the committee can recommend to reduce the percentage, it cannot determine where to use the savings. That decision would be in the hands of the full Warren County Commission.

Road Superintendent Levie Glenn pointed out some employees do not participate in the county’s insurance plan.

“Some of the employees don’t take insurance and won’t benefit from the cut,” said Glenn. “The retirement they will benefit if they stay. It’s a good benefit for employees. My opinion is to leave it like it is.”

When questioned, Hillis said she would take time to generate how much 1.5 percent would be per employee.

“I’m not against it,” said Director of Schools Bobby Cox. “I would like to see what the dollar figure is to see how it affects everybody.”

Bell withdrew his motion.

The discussion was tabled until Hillis can estimate the difference if the percentage is lowered to 9.5 percent from 11 percent.