High Deductible Health Plan with HSA

The City of Gastonia provides a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) to all benefits-eligible employees.

• 100% of the employee-only premium is paid by the City

• Employees may choose to add coverage for eligible dependents, including spouses and children

• Premiums for dependent coverage are employee paid and withheld on a pre-tax basis

The following monthly rates are current for our 2025–2026 plan year:

Subject to annual budget and City Counic approval, the City may make an annual contribution to the HSA accounts of our eligible employees. For any fiscal year, if such a contribution is made, newly hired employee will recieve a prorated contribution to their HSA account as well. 

How the Plan Works

• You are responsible for covering costs up to your deductible:

• After meeting your deductible, you pay 20% coinsurance (in network) until you reach your out-of-pocket maximum:

This high deductible health plan, paired with the City's HSA contribution, helps you save for current and future healthcare expenses with tax advantages and flexibility.

Employee Educational Assistance 

The City of Gastonia is committed to providing its employees with the resources they need to develop their skills and knowledge. We believe that a well-trained and educated workforce is essential to our success as a city.

We offer a variety of employee development opportunities, including:

• On-the-job training: Employees are provided with opportunities to learn new skills and knowledge while on the job

• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are encouraged to pursue further education and the City of Gastonia will help offset the cost of up to $2,000 per fiscal year

• Professional Development Courses: We offer a variety of professional development courses to help our employees stay up-to-date on the latest trends

EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

The Employee Wellness Center is your one-stop resource for health and wellness. Located conveniently for City of Gastonia employees, the center offers access to both the on-site health clinic and a variety of wellness programs designed to support your physical and mental well-being.

151 Snyder Place
Gastonia, NC 28052

Health Clinic Services

All City of Gastonia employees have access to the on-site clinic, which offers a variety of services to support everyday health needs. Whether you're feeling under the weather or simply staying proactive about your health, the clinic is available for sick visits, lab tests, first aid, flu shots, and general health concerns. It's a convenient and affordable resource designed to keep our workforce healthy and supported.

Appointments are required, and a $3 copay will be automatically deducted from your next paycheck.

Covered dependents, including children as young as 5 years old, may also use the clinic for the same low copay —as long as they are enrolled in the City’s health insurance plan. 

Call (704) 836-0015 to make your first appointment.

Wellness Program

As a three-time winner of the Healthiest Employers of Greater Charlotte (2022–2024), the City is proud to invest in employee wellness. Our Wellness Program includes:

• Health coaching

• Monthly wellness challenges

• Health screenings

• Wellness classes

• Interactive activities to promote healthy habits

Whether you’re managing a health concern or looking to improve your daily routine, the Employee Wellness Center is here to support your journey to better health.

Vacation

Vacation Days (for full-time employees only)

• Initial employment through 1 year: 12 days per year
• Beginning 2nd year through 4 years: 14 days per year
• Beginning 5th year through 9th years: 17 days per year
• Beginning 10th year through 14th years: 20 days per year
• Beginning 15th year through 19th years: 23 days per year
• Beginning 20th year: 26 days per year

Pay Days/Sick Leave/Holidays

City of Gastonia employees are paid on a biweekly basis throughout the calendar year. Pay periods begin on alternating Saturdays, and pay days occur every other Friday.

• Sick Leave: Full-time employees accrue 12 sick days per year, pro-rated per pay period. Sick time balances are able to be rolled into subsequent calendar years.
• Holidays: 12 holidays plus one floating personal holiday are allotted each calendar year to our full-time employees.

Dental Insurance

The City of Gastonia offers two dental plans to its full-time employees. Your individual base plan premium is paid 100% by the City. You may also cover your legal dependents and even buy up your dental plan option for an additional cost. Any premiums you elect to pay are withheld on a pre-tax basis.  

Base Dental Plan

Buy-Up Dental Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Provided by McLaughlin Young Group

The City of Gastonia is committed to supporting the overall well-being of its employees. Through our partnership with McLaughlin Young Group (MYgroup), we offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at no cost to employees or their household members.

This confidential program is available to all City employees, regardless of position or length of service, and includes:

• Up to six counseling sessions per issue, per year

• Services are available to all household members

• Completely confidential – your privacy is protected by law

Whether you're navigating stress, family issues, relationship challenges, grief, or substance use concerns, the EAP offers professional support to help you manage life’s difficulties. 

Contact the EAP provider directly: 
MYgroup
(800) 633-3353
mygroup.com 

Retirement / Deferred Compensation

Pension (Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System)

The City of Gastonia participates in the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (operated through the NC State Treasurer’s Office). This benefit can provide full-time employees and eligible part-time employees with a monthly retirement payment for the rest of their lives.

Current Contribution Amounts

• All eligible employees will contribute 6% of their salary during each pay period
• The City will make contributions to the plan based on the following:
  • Sworn Law Enforcement Officers: 16.08% per pay period
  • All other eligible employees: 14.35% per pay period

401(k) (Empower – NC 401(k) Plan)

For all benefits-eligible employees, the city makes a 5% contribution of their earned wages to their individual 401(k) accounts. This contribution is not a match and occurs wheter the employee is actively deferring to their account or not. Eligible employees may also make voluntarily contributions to the 401(k) on a pre-tax or after-tax / Roth basis, within annual IRS limits.

457 (ICMA-RC)

Full-time employees can voluntarily contribute, on either a pre-tax or an after-tax / Roth basis, to the 457, within annual IRS limits. This plan is an additoinal retirement saving vehilce to the City's 401(k) plan and offers employees a further contribution opportunity toward retirement. 

Life Insurance

The City of Gastonia offers a fully-paid life insurance policy with accidental death and dismemberment to its benefits-eligible employees. The policy equates to 1x times your annual salary in the event of death. Additional coverages are available to legal dependents of employees. If elected, premiums for these additional lines of benefit are paid for by the employee.