CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
Memo Date: August 19, 2024
Agenda Date: August 27, 2024
Prepared By: Tammy Gemmati, Administrative Services Director
Through: Stockton Whitten, City Manager
Requested Action:
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Approve Resolution #24-080 Amending Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, BAF #24-126-A; requesting settlement approval for the tentative settlement agreement between former City of Cocoa employee Jeannie Linkenhoker and the City of Cocoa authorizing the payment of the Workers’ Compensation settlement. End
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Cocoa has a self-insured Workers’ Compensation Program which means the cost of the claims are paid by a third-party administrator, currently USIS, Inc., to administer the claims in accordance with the laws of Florida.
Former City of Cocoa employee Jeannie Linkenhoker has reached a settlement agreement in the amount of $215,000 through her attorney and the City’s Workers’ Compensation attorney. This will settle any and all claims, whether open or closed and whether reported or not.
The City budgets annually for Workers’ Compensation claim settlements in the Workers’ Comp Fund/Workers’ Compensation account #520-1801-513.24-00. This settlement exceeds the budget by $45,000. Staff is requesting approval to amend the Budget and move the additional budget needed from the Workers’ Compensation Settlements account.
As a condition of this settlement, Mrs. Linkenhoker will have a non-rehire status with the City. City Staff recommends this settlement amount based on our Workers’ Compensation attorney’s evaluation of the claim. However, the settlement agreement is contingent based on City Council’s final approval due to it exceeding the City Manager’s authority.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONNECTION:
Organizational Effectiveness
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
Budgeted Partially
If not budgeted, is amendment/transfer attached? Yes
BAF#24-126
Amount Requested $45,000
Account Number 520-0000-369.90.06
Account Name Workers’ Compensation Settlements
Amount Requested $45,000
Account Number 520-1801-513.24-00
Account Name Workers’ Compensation
Total Amount Requested
Amount Requested $215,000
Account Number 520-1801-513.24-00
Account Name Workers’ Compensation
PREVIOUS ACTION:
N/A
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Recommendation
Approve Resolution #24-080 Amending Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, BAF #24-126-A; requesting settlement approval for the tentative settlement agreement between former City of Cocoa employee Jeannie Linkenhoker and the City of Cocoa authorizing the payment of the Workers’ Compensation settlement.