The Humboldt Waste Management Authority on Nov. 13 took up a presentation and lengthy discussion about offering an employer match on employee 457 deferred‑compensation plans but did not adopt a match. Staff presented participation data, peer practices and cost estimates; board members generally agreed more information is needed before moving forward.

Executive staff told the board HWMA has 35 FTE positions with 30 currently filled and that 11 employees participate in 457 plans (up from 8 earlier this year). Staff reported two employees would participate regardless of a match and four more would join only if a match were offered. "We currently have 3 employees that have...retained longer than 10 years," the Executive Director said while reviewing staffing distribution.

Staff offered two sample match options — 3% and 5% of annual salary — and provided cost illustrations. For a $50,000 salary, a 3% match would equal $1,500 annually and 5% would equal $2,500. Staff showed what it called a "total impact" slide and said the increase could add roughly $0.90 to the tipping fee in a worst‑case scenario if all eligible employees participated at the maximum; staff cautioned actual impact will be lower if participation remains below that level.

Directors asked about budget levers. The Executive Director noted HWMA has an "employee benefit and rate stabilization reserve" of $150,000 that could be used to pilot a match, but warned against offering a benefit and then withdrawing it later. Several directors emphasized that recruitment advantages accrue when applicants can roll 457 plans from other local government employers.

Director Castellano said she sympathized with staff retention goals but could not "move forward with this at this time" because of recent rate increases and concern for ratepayers. Other directors suggested testing a smaller match or using reserves temporarily. Several members urged tabling the matter until January, when staff will present results from an organics processing feasibility RFP and a fuller budget picture.

The board did not take a binding vote to adopt a match. Instead, staff left the board with options and a request for direction; staff said it will return no later than the January board meeting with draft language and updated budget estimates if the board chooses to pursue a match.

Next steps: staff to provide draft 457‑match language and budget scenarios at the January meeting for further board consideration.