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World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town o f Versailles , France . However , fightin g cease d seve n month s earlie r whe n a n armistice , or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into eff ect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not onl y preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the importa nt purpo se of Vetera ns Da y: A celebrati on to hon or America ’s vetera ns f or the ir patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. We would like to take this opportunity to salute our employees that have served in the military. Listed on the next page are the names that have been submitted for thi s publication. Thank you to all of our veterans for serving our country! T h e R o u n d a b o u t Professionalism Respect Integrity Dedication Excellence November 6, 2024 SALUTING OUR VETERANS columbia county is grateful for your service to our country! veterans day november 11, 2024 County offices will be closed on November 11 with the exception of the Tax Commissioner’s Property Tax Office which will remain open for business. The Motor Vehicle Tag Office will be closed. ---PAGE BREAK--- We Salute These Employees ---PAGE BREAK--- All current vendors will remain in place for 2025. Rates for medical and vision will remain the same. See the Benefits Insight Booklet link for all rates. There will be a slight increase in dental rates for the first time in six years. Life insurance and disability are subject to age banded rate changes. New York Life has offered a full Open Enrollment up to the guaranteed issue amounts on the Short-term disability, Long-term disability and Voluntary Life (for both employee and spouse ) without the requirement of filing an Evidence of Insurability form. Unum, the accident plan provider is offering a new group product which has increased benefits and lowered rates. If you do not wish to make changes to your 2025 Benefits, you do not have to do anything. Your current benefits will simply roll over to the new benefit year. However, those employees tha t choose to renew the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) will have to complete the applicable fo rm and send it to HR. Please remember to keep your medical card and FSA card for the upcoming 2025 benefit year. FSA Form link Enrollment/changes to medical, dental, vision, accident, life insurance, disability products, etc. are available through Employee Self Service. Or you can contact Human Resources for the appropriate paperwork. Please note the enrollment options listed below: Employee Self-Service Visit the Columbia County website, scroll down to the bottom of the page, Click on “Employee Center”, Choose the “Employee Self-Service” Link. Please follow the instructions on the link “Open Enrollment Instructions 2025.” The Open Enrollment site opened on October 1, 2024. Phone - Call the Human Resources Department Call the HR Department at [PHONE REDACTED] and an HR representative can assist you over the phone. OPEN ENROLLMENT E N D S N O V 1 5 T H Open Enrollment Deadline Extended to Friday, November 15th Benefits Open Enrollment for 2025 will take place now through November 15, 2024. This is the time t o revie w you r benefit s an d mak e an y necessa ry adjustmen ts or chang es th at wi ll provi de y ou and y our fam ily w ith the b est cover age options. Any changes will take effect January 1, 2025. 2025 Benefits Insight Booklet Link ---PAGE BREAK--- [EMAIL REDACTED] www.myuhc.com assessment Scanned Forms Due No Later Than Nov. 30 to [EMAIL REDACTED] Human Resources: [PHONE REDACTED] www.unitedconcordia.com All forms should be scanned in and emailed to Elizabeth McBurney by November 30th! www.myuhc.com assessment ---PAGE BREAK--- Real Property Appraisal staff dressed up as Morgan Submitted by: Donna L. Wiley, Administrative Manager Secretary Board of Assessors Submitted by: Donna L. Wiley, Administrative Manager Secretary Board of Assessors Tonny and Tiny Tonny Submitted by: Jessica Davis, Traffic Administrative Specialist/Analyst I Traffic Engineering & Operations HALLOWEEN Happenings Clerk of Court Submitted by: Jennifer Willis, Chief Deputy Clerk Office of the Clerk of Courts Clerk of Court Submitted by: Jennifer Willis, Chief Deputy Clerk Office of the Clerk of Courts Clerk of Court Submitted by: Jennifer Willis, Chief Deputy Clerk Office of the Clerk of Courts CCPAC Submitted by: Katie Cason, Assistant General Manager CC Performing Arts Center Clerk of Court Submitted by: Jennifer Willis, Chief Deputy Clerk Office of the Clerk of Courts Morgan ---PAGE BREAK--- LUNCH AND LEARN NOVEMBER 21, 2024 FROM 12:00PM - 1:00PM Power Up: Healthy Habits for a Happier Life Teressa Lantz, Fitness Specialist TRAIN SWAIN WITH Information Security Classes If you clicked on a test phishing email, you are required to attend one of the meetings listed below. But anyone is welcome to attend! Thu. 12/5/24 @ 9 am Wed. 1/29/25 @ 2 pm Thu. 2/27/25 @ 9 am Tues. 3/25/25 @ 2 pm Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr. To sign up for one of these classes, please contact Swain at (706) 312-7302 or via email at [EMAIL REDACTED]@columbiacountyga.gov Please choose your lunch here ---PAGE BREAK--- Risk Management Training Schedule National Safety Council Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am - 5:00pm **Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from while supplies last** Wednesday, December 4, 2024 *Class is Full* Hands-On Defensive Driving (8 hours) at the CCSO Track 8:30am - 5:00pm Tuesday, November 19, 2024 *Class is Full* Red Cross CPR/AED & Frist Aid (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am - 5:00pm Wednesday, November 6, 2024 *Limited Spots Available* Please note that Risk Management classes have been filling up fast this past year. Our classes are subject to the availability of our trainers base d on their schedules. The classes are also limited to the amount of space we have for attendees. If there is a class on the schedule you would like to attend, please do not wait to register. If you register for a class and at any point in time realize you will not be able to attend, please inform Risk Management to open the spot for other employees. To Register contact: [EMAIL REDACTED] or call Jenifer, Polly, or Darlene at [PHONE REDACTED] for information ---PAGE BREAK--- MissionSquare Retirement provides engaging and educational resources to assist your employees and participants in planning for their retirement. As part of our participan t engagemen t efforts , w e hos t weekl y CFP ® webinar s coverin g a variet y o f topics . In November, we are offering four CFP® webinars for employees and participants. Many p lan sponsors share these webinars via intranets, employee emails, and newsletters. Sign Up for an Upcoming Webinar MissionSquare Retirement is hosting webinars that can help you prepare for your retirement. Financial Planning Webinars: Financial Planning Basics: How to Set and Achieve Your Goals Wednesday, November 6 at 1:00 PM EST Everyone can benefit from a financial plan that is tailored to individual needs and circumstances. A financial roadmap can motivate you to save money, help you meet your financial goals, and improve your overall financial security now and in the future. Effective Estate Planning: Protecting Your Assets for the Future Wednesday, November 13 at 1:00 PM EST An effective estate plan can help ensure your family’s financial needs will be taken care of, and that your personal wishes will be carried out in the event of your death. Retirement Income Planning: Tips to Help Make Your Money Last Wednesday, November 20 at 1:00 PM EST Understanding how much income you’ll need to support the retirement you want, and positioning your assets to provide that income, is important. While there’s no one-size -fits-all plan, there are steps you can take to maximize the possibility of a financially secure retirement. Making the Most of Social Security - Retirement Income Enhancing Strategies Wednesday, November 27 at 1:00 PM EST Understand the basic elements of the Social Security program and focus on strategies that can help make the most of the benefits you receive. Register Now ---PAGE BREAK--- Evans Towne Center Park Join us November 14th to kick off the 2024 season! Visit Website Saturday, November 23 10am-4pm Upcoming Events ---PAGE BREAK--- CONTACT ANIMAL SERVICES ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- As part of a research study with Emory University, we are sharing information to help our employees that work outside make sure they stay safe in the sun-no matter what season it is. The following informaton is part of the Go Sun Smart Georgia Program. ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- Looking to trade a pair of tickets for the Guitar Pull Concert. I have a pair of tickets for Night 1 on Tuesday, November 12th. Willing to trade for Night 2! Please contact Lindsay Stahler, Executive Assistant Planning Services Division Call or Text [PHONE REDACTED] For Trade ---PAGE BREAK--- Eloise Harper Smith Birthdate August 29 Mom: Devin Morris (Library) Dad: Devon Smith Mom and Dad think she is perfect and the library staff is ready to spoil their “Lib “Library Baby”. She was a sleepy little bat for Halloween.