Retirees Covered by Class Action
The County received the Court’s Order Granting Final Approval of the class action Settlement Agreement between Sonoma County Association of Retirees, et. al. v. Sonoma County, CV 09-4432 CW on April 18, 2017. See the Final Court Judgment for additional details. Additional information regarding the settlement can be found on the SCARE website at: http://www.sonomacountyretirees.com/legal.shtml
Employees hired before January 1, 2009 and who are still actively employed, and recent retirees who retired on or after July 1, 2016 are not impacted by this class action Settlement Agreement.
Retiree medical benefits are governed by the Salary Resolution. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) may contain specific agreements related to retiree medical benefits, and these agreements are for a defined contract period.
Class Action Settlement
Certified Settling Retiree Class - Eligible County Retirees Defined
Health Reimbursement Arrangement (SCARE-HRA)
The Sonoma County Association of Retired Employees Health Reimbursement Arrangement (SCARE-HRA) has been established pursuant to the Settlement Agreement in the lawsuit entitled Sonoma County Association of Retirees, et. al. v. Sonoma County, CV 09-4432 CW. Only members of the Settlement Class in this lawsuit are eligible for the benefits of the SCARE-HRA.
County contributions, totaling approximately $12 million, will be paid in three (3) increments on or before the following dates: June 30, 2017, June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2019. The County contributions to individual SCARE-HRA participant accounts will be made on a pro rata basis and will be based on the number of surviving participants. County contribution amounts in 2017, 2018 and 2019 will be determined annually; amount of the contribution will vary each year.