Benefits / Payroll

Medical Insurance

The city is self-insured and offers a choice of four medical plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas: 

• $3,000 High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP Plan)
• $5,000 Deductible HSA Plan (HSA Plan)
• $1,000 Deductible HMO Plan (HMO Plan)
• $3,000 Deductible EPO Plan-offered only to employees 65 years or older or receiving any Social Security Benefits (EPO Plan)

Employee health coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates. Employees enrolled in the city’s self-insured medical plan also have access to the Mesquite Employee Health Center (MEHC) clinic and pharmacy.

Dental Insurance

The city offers a choice of three dental plan through Cigna Dental:

• A Managed Plan (DHMO)
• An Indemnity Plan (DPPO)
• An Enhanced Indemnity Plan (DPPOE)

Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.

Life Insurance

Basic group life insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year. Voluntary products are also available to full-time employees and include supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, cancer insurance, and long term disability

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)

All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. TMRS is a qualified tax deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the city provides 2-to-1 matching contributions.

Additional Group Benefits

Other benefits are: