Reminders and Information for Separating Employees
Most separating employees have questions about a number of issues such as their paycheck, benefits, deferred compensation, retirement contributions, etc. Below is key information on these topics for you from Payroll, Human Resources (HR), Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (TERS) and other important service providers, followed by a contact list with phone numbers and email addresses for each of these, should you need to follow up with them directly.
Keep Your Mailing Address Updated
Please keep your mailing address up-to-date throughout the year so that your W2 and any retroactive payments you may be entitled to can be mailed to you. If you have already separated, you will need to contact HR at (253) 591-5400 or email HRAdminTeam@cityoftacoma.org to request your address or phone number be updated.
Payroll
Payroll and your Timekeeper will work together on your final paycheck. Your pay advice should arrive within a few days of the payroll run after your separation. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- All payouts are subject to Federal withholding, Social Security and Medicare.
- Your contributions to Deferred Compensation are also subject to Social Security and Medicare contributions, so if you plan to direct any of your final payout to Deferred Comp, remember to account for these mandatory deductions in your planning.
- If you qualify for a Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) Incentive payout, please note that payments are made in the year AFTER they are earned. Another reason to keep your address up to date!
Health Benefit End Dates
If you are covered by a City of Tacoma health benefit plan, your separation from the City will end those benefits. Most benefits (medical, dental, vision) continue through the end of the month of separation, regardless of your separation date.
COBRA
Employees who are covered by a City of Tacoma medical, dental, or vision plan are eligible to continue coverage under COBRA. You will be sent information directly from our COBRA provider to elect coverage. You will pay for the full cost of the premium for the coverage, plus a 2% administrative fee. Flexible Spending Account balances may also be eligible for conversion to COBRA if you have a balance remaining.
Deferred Compensation (457) Accounts
If you make contributions to a deferred compensation account, you may need to update your contact information and want to inquire about the status of your account. And if you have not reached your maximum annual contribution amount by your separation date, you may be able to make an additional contribution with your final pay check.
Life Insurance
Employees who are covered by a City of Tacoma life insurance plan may be eligible to apply to convert the group life insurance policy to an individual policy.
Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Accounts
If you worked in a classification within the collective bargaining agreement with IBEW, Local 483, Tacoma Power Unit, you may have contributions on your behalf in a Retirement Health Savings (RHS) Account with ICMA.
Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA)
If you are retiring and are otherwise eligible, you may have the value of any unused sick leave and/or Paid Time Off (PTO) accruals placed into a VEBA account on your behalf. Review Tacoma Municipal Code Section 1.12.229 or your CBA to determine if you qualify.
Retirement Account with Tacoma Employees’ Retirement System (TERS)
If you have been making contributions to TERS, you may have questions about the status of your account and options upon separation. A Separation Packet with information will be mailed to you approximately two to three weeks after your separation date to assist you in understanding your options. Please be sure your address is up to date with HR so that the packet will reach you.
Regardless of whether you elect to withdraw your contributions or defer your retirement, you need to make a decision within six months from separation.
You may visit the TERS website to view Frequently Asked Questions or access the Benefits Calculator at www.cityoftacoma.org/retirement.
Washington State Unemployment
If applicable, you can find information about possible unemployment benefits from the Washington State Unemployment website.
City of Tacoma Ethics Policy for Separating Employees
The City's Ethics Policy generally prohibits separating employees from working with the City as a contractor, or participating in any procurements and related decisions in any capacity for one year. Please see Title 1 of the City’s Municipal Code, Section 1.46.030 Prohibited Conduct here for more information on restrictions after separation.
Optional Exit Interview or Survey
Many, but not all departments, offer an Exit Interview to separating employees. Regardless of whether a department-specific interview is offered to you, all employees may request an Exit Interview or Anonymous Exit Survey from HR. Please contact Human Resources to request this service.
Key Contact Information
Benefits
|
Human Resources/ Benefits |
Benefits staff
|
(253) 573-2345 |
benefits@cityoftacoma.org |
| COBRA |
WageWorks (COBRA) |
Customer Service |
(877) 722-2667 |
|
| Deferred Compensation |
MissionSquare Deferred Comp/
RHS Accounts |
Gabriel Zamacona |
(202) 759-7284
|
gzamacona@missionsq.org |
| Deferred Compensation |
Nationwide Deferred Comp Accounts
(Fire Fighters ONLY) |
Mike Ferguson |
(509) 385-7825 |
m.ferguson@nationwide.com |
| Employee Assistance Program (EAP) |
First Choice EAP |
Customer Service |
(800) 777-4114 |
www.FirstChoiceEAP.com |
| Exit Interview or Survey (Optional) |
|
|
|
|
Flexible Benefit Plans
(Section 125) |
Trusteed Plans Services Corporation (TPSC) |
Customer Service |
(253) 564-5611 |
BenefitsSupport@trusteedplans.com
|
| Other Human Resource Questions |
Human Resources |
HR Administration |
(253) 591-5400 |
hradminteam@cityoftacoma.org |
| Paychecks/W2s |
Finance/Payroll |
Payroll Staff |
(253) 591-5859 |
payroll@cityoftacoma.org
|
| Retirement: TERS |
Tacoma Employees Retirement System |
TERS Pensions and Police/Fire LEOFF 1 |
(253) 502-8200
(888) 404-3787 |
tersretirement@cityoftacoma.org |
| Retirement: Other |
Department of Retirement Systems |
LEOFF II
Retirement/DRS |
(800) 547-6657 |
www.drs.wa.gov |
| Washington State Unemployment |
- |
- |
- |
https://esd.wa.gov/
|