I went to work at the Department of Social Services in 1970. After a few years, due to health problems, I had to go part-time (20 hours per week).

Around 1985, I was told that according to state policy, my benefits as well as several other people working in the county would have to be terminated since we did not work at least 30 hours per week. There was a 30-hour position available to me, so my benefits continued. I don’t know what happened to the other employees.

Just three years ago, our county school bus drivers’ benefits were terminated because it was determined they were not working 30 hours per week.

And yet, now another disturbing fact has come to light. Our board of supervisors have given themselves hospital, life, dental and vision insurance for approximately $7,400 per year per supervisor, plus their salary totaling about $13,400 per supervisor, according to county documents. The taxpayers are paying all these bills.

Our board works a few hours one day per month, and I’m sure some hours are reported for committee work that accomplishes nothing in my eyes, and I assume they count the hours per month that they eat out for lunches and suppers that we pay for.

Questions: Do these few hours add up to 30 hours per week? Has the policy changed? Or does it work just for them? Why are they different?

Many citizens in this county are outraged by these facts. I say this to the board: With the 2017 budget being considered, we the taxpayers of Charlotte County are not willing to pay for your insurances nor any of your lunches, suppers or any other “hidden” expenses you charge to us.

Ludy Collie is a Charlotte County resident and retiree of the Charlotte County Department of Social Services. She can be reached at (434) 454-0686.