Leave Benefits

The following is a brief summary of the fringe benefits that apply to full-time county government employees. If different benefits are specified in a union contract, the negotiated contract language will apply in lieu of the benefits described here. This is meant to be an overview for the general public and does not imply contractual obligation.

PERSONAL LEAVE Three personal leave days are credited each year after the completion of one full year of continuous employment.

SICK LEAVE Paid sick leave is earned at the rate of 8-10 days per year with a maximum accumulation of 165 days in most cases.

HOLIDAYS Twelve paid holidays per year are observed. If employees are scheduled to work on a holiday they are generally eligible for premium compensation and/or additional time off at a later date.

OTHER LEAVES
Up to 12 weeks unpaid family medical leave (FMLA), which includes health insurance coverage for enrolled employees. A leave transfer program for eligible employees allows county employees to donate vacation time to other employees who have depleted accruals due to a serious illness. A Voluntary Leave Program allows employees, upon approval of department head to take a reduced work week or extended unpaid time off on a short term basis without losing fringe benefits.

Military Leave - Employees who serve in the US Military are given time off with pay for ordered military duty of up to twenty-two (22) working days or thirty (30) calendar days per year, whichever is greater.

RETIREMENT Onondaga County participates in the New York State Employees Retirement System. Permanent, full-time employees, are required to join the Retirement System which is a defined benefit contribution plan. Part-time, temporary, or provisional employees, may choose to join the Retirement System. There is generally a 3% contribution and a deduction will be made for social security coverage.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION A deferred compensation program (457 plan) is available for all full-time and permanent part-time Onondaga County employees.

HEALTH/DENTAL INSURANCE Both individual and family health and dental benefits are available. Health and dental coverage is NOT automatic. Employees must fill out an enrollment form in order to be covered. A pre-tax contribution program is available for medical, dependent care and parking expenses.

LONG TERM DISABILITY Most employees are eligible for Long Term Disability Insurance

EAP An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all Onondaga County employees and their families offering advice and referral to appropriate agencies or short term counseling through trained professional counselors.

Credit Union Membership in the The Summit Federal Credit Union is available to all Onondaga County employees