Transfer Of Staff And Benefits

This is one of the most important areas of decision-making. Changes in personnel policies range from none to completely new policies. Here are the different kinds of changes that can occur.

Little or No Change

This occurs in the following instances:

• When all libraries in the new district were already operating under the same administrative unity.
• When the new district does not operate a library, but contracts with an existing library for services.
• When the new district library chooses to contract with the city or county to handle payroll and employees.

In these cases, all the district's personnel are employed under a previously established library or administrative structure. Salaries and benefits remain the same. If the name doesn't change, then no further work is needed.

If the name is changed, then the new name will need to be reported to federal and state income tax agencies, the state insurance fund for workers compensation, and the state department of employment for unemployment insurance coverage. Insurance and other companies providing personnel benefits will need to be notified of the legal name change.

Creating a New Personnel System

This occurs:

• When a new district is established where no library existed before, and the district will operate its own library.

Consider a salary structure by checking with other libraries in the area to see what they are paying for particular jobs. Look at similar jobs in your community, as you will be competing with other community employers for employees.

Establish the following required accounts:

• Federal income tax accounts
• State income tax accounts
• Social security
• Workers compensation
• Unemployment insurance

Examine the following as possible benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement usually through the Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA)

Final decisions will be made by the new board, based upon recommendations of the group.

Transfer from a City/County to a District Personnel System

This occurs:

When a city or county library becomes a district library.

Establish the following required accounts:

• Federal income tax accounts
• State income tax accounts
• Social security
• Workers compensation
• Unemployment insurance

Examine the following as possible benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement usually through the Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA)

You must reach agreements with the city or county about transferring employees from city or county to district payroll. Avoid confusion by having a written memorandum of agreement with the city or county. [Sample Memorandum of Agreement with City.]