HUMAN RESOURCES
Benefits Administration
Donna Langland, Human Resources Director
311 Third Avenue/PO Box 270
Brookings, SD 57006
605-697-8668 Phone
605-692-6907 Fax
dlangland@cityofbrookings.org
In a market that provides ample opportunities for individuals
to find employment, one of the key factors in successfully hiring
and retaining employees is the benefit package offered. The City
of Brookings provides its employees with a competitive benefit package.
A goal of the Human Resources Department is to make sure we are
providing those benefits in the most cost-effective manner. Major
cost-savings have been accomplished through the self-funded health
plan set up in 1997. Not only have we saved the City significant
money, we have provided the City employees with better service and
have been able to maintain the level of benefits.
In order for employees to be aware of the benefits available to
them as employees of the City, they must be educated on the programs
and assisted when they encounter problems. Human Resources department
staff meet with all new employees to acquaint them with the benefits
plans of the City as well as the policies and procedures associated
with being a City employee. We strive to be approachable and available
to employees who need assistance with any concerns surrounding their
employment with the City. We assist employees with all aspects of
benefits and deal directly with the benefit providers to resolve
any problems and claim errors.
While insurance and paid leave programs tend to be the first things
a person considers when discussing employee benefits, another very
important program offered to City employees is the Employee Assistance
Program. The EAP program serves all City employees and their families
in dealing with personal or family mental health issues. When employees
are dealing with personal issues, it clearly affects their job performance.
By providing this service, it is hoped that employees will get help
as a first option rather than a last resort and thereby prevent
health problems and disruptions in the workplace.
The Human Resources Department is charged with all aspects of benefits
administration including the preparation, acquisition and evaluation
of Requests for Proposals for all employee benefit insurance and
administration contracts. We work together with insurance providers
to ensure that benefit contracts meet state and federal laws by
researching and recommending amendments to our contracts as needed.
HR prepares and maintains all accounting records pertaining to the
City of Brookings Health Insurance Trust Account and Section 125
Cafeteria Trust Account and makes recommendations of the appropriate
rate levels for the group health coverage classifications.
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