Riley County will join CAPERS 457 auto‑enrollment pilot to boost employee retirement participation

RILEY COUNTY — Riley County commissioners voted June 25 to enroll in a state CAPERS 457 auto‑enrollment pilot designed to increase employee participation in supplemental retirement savings.

Human Resources Manager Michelle Reed told the board the county has 260 employees eligible for a CAPERS 457 plan but only 84 (32%) currently participate. "We would like to enroll all new employees and anyone eligible," Reed said, recommending a 3% default pre‑tax contribution with a 1% annual escalation up to a 6% cap. Counties that previously implemented auto‑enrollment reported much higher participation rates, Reed said, citing Sedgwick County’s experience of rising participation from roughly one‑third to over 90% after auto‑enrollment.

Reed said employees can opt out or change contribution levels at any time and noted that participating in the pilot will allow Riley County to provide feedback on program design. The board moved and seconded a motion to participate in the pilot and approved staff to notify CAPERS 457 and begin employee communications.

Human Resources will supply materials explaining enrollment, opt‑out steps and escalation, and will coordinate a roll‑out once staff confirms the participation date with CAPERS 457.