The Planning and Zoning Commission adopted its final fiscal‑year 2027 budget, approved an employee handbook update and made a temporary change to the employee health‑plan waiver during its meeting.
Staff summarized an FY26 housekeeping budget amendment to cover compensated leave payouts, a summer intern, and to move a planned housing study (Blueprint Kentucky) into the next fiscal year. Commissioners adopted that amendment following a personnel‑committee recommendation.
For FY27 (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027), staff presented a final budget that incorporated cost‑of‑living adjustments, updated health‑care quotes, and a conservative fee projection. Staff noted a tight carryover estimated near $8,400 against a goal of a roughly 10% operating reserve; staff said large upcoming construction projects could increase fee revenue and reserves during the year. The commission voted to adopt the final budget.
Commissioners also adopted an updated employee handbook with clarifications to exempt versus non‑exempt classifications, flex‑time and overtime language, and added job descriptions and appendices. The handbook will govern personnel policy going forward.
On benefits, staff presented the annual employee benefit manual and described the current health‑plan options (a 90/10 employer/employee split and monthly HSA contributions). Commissioners debated the existing $1,000 waiver (paid to employees who opt out) and, as a stopgap during open enrollment, voted to raise the waiver to $1,500 on a one‑time basis. The commission attached a proviso that if two or more employees submit waiver requests such that the agency could no longer maintain the small‑group policy, the waiver would be rescinded to preserve group coverage. The motion carried on a recorded voice vote with opposition recorded on the floor and earlier procedural abstentions noted in the transcript.
Commissioners then approved bills for June and closed the meeting with brief announcements.