Title
Receive a preliminary response to Board Referral No. 2026.11 (Root Askew) seeking a California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS) and Covered California Presentation.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2026.11;
b. Provide direction on a preferred referral processing option:
i. Proceed with completion of referral as outlined in preliminary report;
ii. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by Board;
iii. Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or
iv. Rescind referral.
c. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
SUMMARY / PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background:
On June 2, 2026, the County Administrative Office received Board Referral No. 2026.11 by Chair Askew requesting an open-session presentation from California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CALPERS) and Covered California regarding the impact of state and federal legislation on the commercial health insurance market and strategies being considered to manage the cost of commercial health insurance in Monterey County.
Project Description:
In response to the referral, the Human Resources Department (HRD), in collaboration with the Department of Social Services (DSS), initiated coordination with CalPERS and Covered California to facilitate the requested informational presentation.
HRD communicated the Board’s referral to CalPERS. Similarly, DSS communicated the referral to the Monterey County DSS Covered California Liaison, provided the requested details, and extended an invitation to participate in the presentation.
Proposed Response Date:
Should the Board direct staff to proceed with the completion of this referral, staff will coordinate with CalPERS, Covered California, and the Clerk of the Board to schedule the requested informational presentation at a future board meeting.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice Strategic Plan Goal. These actions demonstrate the County’s commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce by establishing fair compensation across all employee levels.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
ü Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569
Prepared by: Robert Uribe, Management Analyst, ext. 5202
Approved by: Andreas Pyper, Director of Human Resources, ext. 5043
Roderick Franks, Director of Social Services, ext. 4435
Attachments:
Board Referral No. 2026.11