Many benefits provided to County employees are based upon the latest negotiations between Kern County and its recognized bargaining units ("unions") such as SEIU, which are documented in Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). The term "represented employee" is used to describe any employee who belongs to a recognized bargaining unit. List of unions and bargaining units.

This summary is an overview only and is not intended to provide a full description of all costs. Additionally, it may not reflect the most recent MOU changes. View MOUs.

A summary of the mandatory benefit programs for many represented employees and their related costs is noted below.

Health Benefits

In general, most employees are required to enroll in County health benefits unless they have other group health insurance and sign a declination form certifying that other coverage. All employees who enroll in health benefits must enroll in all three components (medical, dental and vision). The cost of health coverage depends on plan chosen and number of dependents.

• Plan Benefits Comparison Charts
• Plan Premiums

Retirement Plan

Most employees will pay an employee contribution to retirement which does not change based on years of service.

Retiree Health Premium Supplement Program

This program was designed to help pay for health benefits upon retirement for qualifying employees. More information on RHPSP program

Union Dues

Employees who are part of a union shall pay dues. Contact your Union for additional information.