Human Resources

Buncombe County is committed to providing affordable quality health care coverage for our employees. With our PPO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC (BCBSNC), you may receive care in-network and out-of-network. However, if you visit an out-of-network provider, you are responsible for more of the costs for services. Having a PPO plan gives you the security of knowing you can receive care no matter where you are.

Every full-time and part-time employee who works at least 1,000 hours per year becomes a member of the N.C. Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System. An employees' share of the cost is currently 6% of their compensation, and is automatically deducted from their paycheck. After five years of creditable service in the N.C. LGERS, employees are vested for purposes of retirement benefits in accordance with the eligibility requirements established by the State Department of the Treasurer, Retirement Systems Division.

Preventable conditions are a leading driver of health care costs. Preventable illness makes up approximately 90% of all health care costs and more than that, preventable illness also accounts for eight of the nine leading categories of death. Our Wellness Point Program is designed to help you prevent illness and be more active and healthy. The program is for employees who are enrolled on our health insurance plan.

The Buncombe County Employee & Family Health Clinic offers quick access to health care for County employees and their family members who are enrolled in one of our health insurance plans. The Employee Health Clinic offers health services at a low cost with little to no waiting time, no cost for generic drugs, and does not require employees to use their leave time when seen at the Clinic.

The NC 401(k) Plan is a retirement savings plan available exclusively to North Carolina public employees who are actively contributing to one of the NC Retirement Systems. North Carolina state and local government employers offer this plan to help you reach your retirement savings goals. The plan allows employees to contribute by payroll deduction to an investment program which shall defer income taxes on both the employee’s investment and the income in the investment until a later date. Employees may select from a variety of investment plans. Buncombe County contributes an eight percent amount of the regular employee's salary to the plan. Additional employee participation is voluntary.

Short Term Disability benefits are payable when you become disabled due to an accident, sickness or pregnancy. Employees pay Short Term Disability benefits with after tax dollars therefore this is NOT taxable income. The amount elected to be paid per week is what they will receive. No taxes are withheld.

Life insurance can be a safety net that catches a family when tragedy strikes. It can be the heart of a family’s financial security. No one likes thinking about it but if your family depends on you, then this is a subject you can’t avoid. Buncombe County currently provides, at no cost to employees, basic life insurance plus accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. Employees may add the supplemental life insurance coverage.

Through payroll deduction, employees may defer a portion of their salary on a regular basis through the 457 Plan. The program provides a tax shelter and investment opportunity. Taxes on the deferred amount and earnings are deferred until they are withdrawn, usually at retirement or when one leaves employment with the county. Deferred amounts may be invested in one fund or in a combination of funds to maximize the investment return.

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Condition Care
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Leave Accrual
• Annual PTO
• County discounts at local businesses