2024 HR Insider Winter Newsletter

Winter 2024

Insider Human Resources Creativity | Collaboration | Integrity | Stewardship | Professionalism | Science-Based

Winter Edition 2024

Benefits HRA Runoff Period

Training 2024 Training Catalog Retirement 457b and IRA Updates Mission Square Upcoming Webinars TCDRS Webinars Human Resources Employee Assistance Program Information Technology Signage for Employee Annoucements Zoom Meetings Recharge Room AV Upgrades Caucus Room Display Cyber Security Data Center Building IT 2023 Stats New Technology

Records New Year, New Folders ServiceDesk Requests Wellness Gym Memberships

Promotion

Anniversaries

New Hires

Important Dates Deadlines; Anniversaries; Birthdays and Events MEDICAL DENTAL FSA/DCAP/HRA CLICKABLE LINKS:

LIFE/AD&D/LTD

RETIREMENT

MISSION SQUARE

Winter 2024

Benefits

EAP Features Legal and Financial Services Human Resources

HRA Runoff Period & Claim Substantiation Reminder

With the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you and your household members can access free and con- fidential services to discuss personal or work-related problems with a professional counselor. In addition, the EAP offers advice and support for: • Legal services include real estate, estate planning, will preparation, domestic, and family issues. Ser- vices include an initial assessment, and then an initial 60-minute in-office or phone consultation regarding the issue. If additional assistance is needed and the attor- ney is retained, the employee or family member will receive a 25% discount on continued services. • Financial services include credit counseling, debt management, college funding, and financial planning. Services include initial assessment and phone consul- tation regarding the issue. Employees and family mem- bers receive 30-Day Financial Coaching and a 90-Day Financial Wellness Action Plan at no cost. If additional assistance is needed, financial coaching can continue for a monthly fee. • Document preparation includes complaint letters, deeds, living trusts, personal service agreements, and leases. Services include Do it Yourself document prepa- ration through the Online Legal and Financial Resource Center, as well as Document Assis- tance services at a reduced fee.

webinars. Below are upcoming events for the first quar - ter. They are held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Sandwich Generation: The Ultimate Balancing Act Wednesday, February 14th - Caring for an elder is an enormous challenge by itself; combining elder care with care of children or adolescents and attempting to balance the demands of a career can seem overwhel- ming to even the most organized individual. In this ses- sion we will focus on establishing balance, recognizing negative emotions, adhering to priorities and reducing stress. Click HERE to register for this webinar. Eating Right for Life Wednesday, March 13th - If donuts for breakfast, candy bars for lunch, and constantly making impulse decisi- ons while eating on the run sounds familiar, then this is the class for you! Participants in this seminar will learn the benefits of nutrition, including the importance of making informed food choices to develop and main- tain sound eating habits. Expect to leave this interactive session understanding what your body needs for opti- mal health and the key nutritional guidelines to follow. Click HERE to register for this webinar.

Your 2024 HRA funds became available on January 1, 2024. Your 2024 HRA amount is tied to the medical plan you selected during open enrollment or as a new hire. See table below for contribution amounts.

2023 HRA CONTRIBUTION BCBS HDHP BCBS PPO MEDICAL $3,499.99 $1,000.00 DENTAL & VISION $1,000.00 N/A

You can view your balance by logging in to your Proficient account at Proficient - Connect.com. If you have unused funds in your 2023 HRA accounts, your funds will roll over at the end of April to your 2024

account after the 90-day run-off period has ended. The deadline to submit reimbursement claims or substation for expenses incurred in 2023 is March 31, 2024. To submit a reimbursement during the run-off period, submit

your claim information through ProficientConnect.com or by downloading the Proficient Connect app. Claim Substantiation If you have claims that require substantiation such a receipt, invoice or EOB, please submit them as soon as possible. A delay in the upload of the sub- stantiation will cause a delay in HRA rollovers for all staff. HR will be in contact with you in March if you have claims that require substantiation. If the substantiation is not submit- ted, you will need to pay back the amount of your claims via check or money order. HDHP Plan

Request legal and financial ser - vices by calling the EAP toll-free at 855-RSL-HELP (855-775-4357), or click HERE to access the EAP Re- source Center. To create a new account to access the EAP Resource Center, visit https:// rsli.mylifeexpert.com > Sign up > enter the company code RSLI859 > enter your email address and create a password > Sign up. The resource center also features podcasts, legal forms, articles, and

If you are enrolled in the HDHP plan, up to $1500.00 of your medical 2023 HRA funds will rollover to your 2024 medical HRA. Up to $1000.00 of your 2023 dental and vision HRA funds will roll over to your 2024 dental and vision HRA. Any remaining funds will roll over into a Retirement Health Savings (RHS) account. PPO Plan If you are enrolled in the PPO plan, up to $2,500.00 of your 2023 HRA funds will roll over to your 2024 HRA funds. Retirement Health Savings Plan Overview Any funds remaining over the rollover amounts will roll over to your RHS account. The RHS is mandatory, and employees may not choose to opt out of this program. At separation from employment, employees who are en- rolled in the RHS and who meet the vesting period of five years of consecutive full-time service will be eligible to receive funds from their RHS account to pay for medical expenses. You can view your balance by logging in to your MissionSquare account and clicking on plan #801871.

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Winter 2024

Retirement

MissionSquare 457b and IRA Updates The IRS has announced retirement plan contribu- tions for 2024. If you would like to update your contribution amount, please login to your NeoGov account and complete the MissionSquare 457(b) Contribution Change Form or the IRA Contribu- tion Change Form.

WEBINARS TAILORED TO MEMBERS

457

Normal Limit

$23,000

$23,000 ($46,000 total) $7,500 ($30,000 total)

“Pre-Retirement” Catch-Up Limit

“Age 50” Catch-Up Limit

IRA

If you currently do not have a 457(b) or IRA ac- count but are interested in learning more about deferred compensation plans, please contact Hil- da Campos for more information.

WELCOME TO TCDRS If you’re a new hire and have questions about your TCDRS benefit, this webinar is for you! You’ll learn how TCDRS is unique and how it helps you save for your future. You’ll also find out why it’s important to designate a beneficiary and register for your online account. Then we’ll show you all the resources TCDRS offers to help you retire with confidence. 2 Sessions - Friday, Feb. 2, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m. and Friday March 1, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.. Click HERE to register. ENVISION YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE Retirement planning begins on day one. Join TCDRS for a webinar to review how your TCDRS retirement plan works and how life changes can impact your benefits. We’ll also discuss the importance of saving outside your TCDRS plan. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more options you’ll have when you are ready to take that next step. 2 Sessions - Wednesday, Jan 10, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. and Wednesday March 13, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Click HERE to register. PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL TCDRS RETIREMENT Retirement is not just about the money. If you are thinking about retiring in the next five years, join TCDRS for a webinar about how to plan for a successful retirement. We’ll not only talk about the financial aspect of retirement, but the emotional transition as well. Plus, we’ll walk you through the steps for processing your TCDRS retire- ment. 6 Sessions available for the 1st quarter. Click HERE to register. You can choose to attend one or more of the following webinars.

Normal Limit

$7,000

$1,000 ($8,000 total)

“Age 50” Catch-Up Limit

Mission Square Retirement Upcoming Education Webinars

Financial Planning Basics: How to Set and Achieve Your Goals Wednesday, January 10th - 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. The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning in Retirement

Wednesday, January 17th - According to the federal government, a majority of people over age 65 will need some type of long-term health care, with a significant number of people needing care in a nursing home. Learn how you can plan for this expense. 10 Questions for a Successful Retirement: A Guide for the Retiree

Wednesday, January 24th - Transitioning into and through retirement can be rewar- ding and challenging. So having a plan is important. We’ll focus on 10 key questions you should ask, from saving, to Social Se- curity and Medicare, and managing your in- vestments, withdrawals, and taxes. Market Update Wednesday, January 31st - Join Mission- Square Retirement for an update on the fi - nancial markets. All webinars are held from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Register HERE for all webinars.

Thursday, Jan. 11, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 8, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

R E T I R I NG

Sending the warmest retirement wishes to Brenda Davis and her family! Thank you for an incredible 25 years of dedicated service. May your retirement be filled with joy and may you embark on countless exciting adventures ahead! Cheers to a well-deserved and happy retirement!

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Winter 2024

Training

YMCA Presentation: Four Healthy Keys to Eating Out

FEBRUARY 15, 2024

2024 Employee Training & Development Catalog The 2024 Employee Training & Development Catalog is now available in Share - Point! We hope you find this catalog helpful as you plan the year ahead. Since all events for 2024 will be conducted through various platforms, information, including appropriate links to register and/or attend the event, are posted to the HR Calen - dar of Events in SharePoint. Information will also be sent out to staff on a regular basis, as is our custom. If you have any questions regarding an event or need assis - tance, please contact Margaret Ross (210) 477-5110.

TIME: 11:30 - 12:30 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: IN-PERSON/EAA RECHARGE ROOM This presentation will offer a practical approach to maintaining a balanced and nu - tritious diet when dining in restaurants. Key principles that will be discussed include planning ahead, asking for what you want, taking charge of what’s around you, and choosing food carefully. Lunch for this presentation will be provided. If you’re planning to attend, please email Valerie Diaz, no later than February 12th. A gift for attending will also be distributed at the end of the presentation.

A digital bamboo kitchen scale will be distributed at the end of the presentation. It measures liquid & dry Ingredi- ents Up To 11 Lbs.

1ST QUARTER TRAINING EVENTS

INTACCT Refresher: Requisitions, Purchase Orders & Reimbursements

JANUARY 18, 2024

Fleet Management Training

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: VIRTUAL/ZOOM

TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: VIRTUAL/ZOOM

This training will discuss the process for requisitions, purchase orders and staff expense reimbursements through Intacct. Topics include how to submit a requisition, how to upload documentation, and how to monitor your own expenses.

This training will discuss the responsibilities for staff who have vehicles assigned to them. Topics include care of the vehicle, driver responsibilities, routine/non-routine maintenance & other items. This training is open to all staff, however, it is mandatory for staff who have vehicles assigned to them and their supervisor.

Click to JOIN Zoom on Day of Event ADD to your Outlook Calendar (.ics)

Click to JOIN Zoom on Day of Event ADD to your Outlook Calendar (.ics)

Texas Tuition Promise Fund Webinar

JANUARY 24, 2024

ServiceDesk Plus Training

MARCH 7, 2024

TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: VIRTUAL/MS TEAMS

TIME: 10:00 - 10:30 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: TBD

This session will provide training for end users of ServiceDesk Plus. Topics include access to ServiceDesk Plus through Global Protect Portal, navigation and review of ServiceDesk Plus categories, and how to submit/view a request in ServiceDesk Plus. Addition information on location/platform to join the session will be sent to staff as soon as its available.

College is the best yet most expensive investment you can make for your child. Give yourself peace of mind by prepay - ing for tuition and school-wide required fees through the Texas Tuition Promise Fund and the Texas college Savings Plan. A representative from the Texas Tuition Promise Fund will be providing an over - view of these plans. Click to JOIN MS Teams on Day of Event ADD to your Outlook Calendar (.ics)

PNC Bank Webinar: It’s a Balancing Act – The Sandwich Generation

MARCH 27, 2024

TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 LOCATION/PLATEFORM: Virtual/Zoom

Members of the Sandwich Generation (adults caring simultaneously for children and adult parents) can learn how to help balance their own financial security and the demands of caring for both children and aging parents. Regis - tration information will be sent to staff as soon as it’s available. Stay tuned!

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Winter 2024

Information Technology Signage for Employee Announcement

Data Center Buildout

New Technology!

The EAA has a new data center! IT has partnered with H5 data centers to lease a server rack. IT has installed the EAA’s servers and network equipment at the H5 data center and over the next few months,

IT has installed new technology to improve our user’s experience. This includes new curved monitors, Bar- co click shares for screen sharing, new switches to im- prove data transmission, and laptops with more RAM and faster CPUs. IT will continue to issue new laptops and monitors in the first and second quarters of 2024.

Caucus Room Display To improve the virtual meeting and presentation experience in the Caucus conference room, IT has upgraded the display from a 60-inch display to an 85-inch dis- play. This room is now Zoom and Teams ready. For assistance setting up conference rooms for meetings Zoom Meetings In addition to Zoom Phone func- tionality, your Zoom license comes with Zoom Meetings. You can now schedule unlimited meetings from the Zoom web portal at zoom.us or through your Windows Zoom client. If you need assistance with this, please enter a service desk re- quest under the Audio Visual/Sche- dule a Zoom Meeting category.

IT has completed the installation of four displays located in the first and second floor hallway. These displays will be used to share impor -

we will be moving servi- ces to this location. Some of the benefits of this new environment include 24 x 7 physical security, redun- dant power sources, diesel generators, and redundant industrial ACs.

tant messaging and announcements about upcoming events. To have messaging dis- played on these displays please enter a ser- vice desk request under the Audio Visual/ Signage category. Recharge Room AV Upgrades

IT 2023 Stats

IT has completed AV improvements in the Recharge room. These im- provements include cameras, handheld mic, lapel, and ceiling mics for Zoom and Teams conferencing. Additionally, Bluetooth capability has

been added to the room to stream audio from phones and tablets. For assistance hosting your next virtual meeting in the recharge room please enter a service desk request under the Audio Visual/Meeting Setup category.

Completed Service Desk Requests 1906

46 EAGIS Bug Fixes

22 EAGIS Enhancements

14 Online Re- porting Portal Enhancements

Cyber Security Cyber threats are on the rise. This illustration shows the steps of one of the most common cyber threats - phishing. Be on the lookout for suspicious emails. Report any suspicious emails to security@edwardsa-

please enter a ser- vice desk request under the Audio Vi sua l /Mee t ing Setup category.

Phising Attack

quifer.org via email or by selecting the Phish Alert Report button in Outlook.

Attacker sends phishing

email to tar get 1

The EAA’s Phish Prone percentage has decreased from 16% to 6%. This is below the industry average of 16.9%. Phish-prone percentage refers to a metric used to assess a company’s vulnerability to a phishing attack. This improvement is the result of increased user awareness and IT training.

Hacker

4 Hacker uses victim’s credentials to access private in- formation

Hacker collects important credentials 3

IT has tools in place that capture the yearly percentage of uptime. In 2023 the average uptime of all systems was above 99%. IT strives to ensure all systems are always available. UPCOMING PROJECTS • Office 365 Backup Software • New Website

Victim clicks on Phishing link and visits fake website

2

• Monitor Upgrades • Windows 11 Upgrades

• Laptop Upgrades • Meter Matter • App Enhancements

Phishing attacks can lead to data loss and ranso- mware. These types of incidents can cost an or- ganization millions of dollars. Please think before you click!

Phishing Website

Original Website

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Winter 2024

Records New Year, New Folders

Wellness Gym Membership Options

It’s 2024! Which means it’s time to start adding new 2024 folders into your records and active areas in SharePoint. Click HERE for step-by-step instruc- tions on creating a new folder in SharePoint.

If fitness is one of your new year’s resolutions, the EAA has two membership options available through the YMCA and Gold’s Gym. You may only enroll in one membership. YMCA To sign up for the YMCA, visit any Y location to sign up. There, you will complete enrollment forms, provide your bank information for payment, and show your EAA ID badge as proof of employment. Available members- hips include employee only membership and family memberships.

Have a Records issue? Submit a ServiceDesk Request!

For any of your records or SharePoint issues, including but not limited to the following, please submit a ServiceDesk Request :

YMCA MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES

CATEGORY

City Wide Adult City Wide Family I

City Wide Family II

• Renaming SharePoint Records files

• Hardcopy records requests from Off-site storage

Partner Rate

$50.00

$78.00

$91.00

• Moving SharePoint records filles

• Uploading of videos to the Records Vimeo/You-

EAA Contribution

($20) ($20)

($20) ($20)

($20) ($20)

YMCAMatch

• Deleting SharePoint records files

• Requests new or lost/replacement keys

Member pays Directly to the YMCA

$10

$38

$51

• Changing permissions in SharePoint Records sites

Please use the Records & Keys ServiceDesk Templates under the Service Catalog dropdown.

The YMCA offers many features and amenities such as group exercise classes, wellness orientation, child care while you work out (with Family I or II), family programming, and special events. For a list of locations, visit https://ymcasatx.org/locations?type=ymca&amenities. GOLD’S GYM Gold’s Gym memberships are available at the employee-only level. There are two membership levels: Level 1 : $2.49 per pay period via payroll deduction. Enrollees can only visit Level 1 gyms, excluding Alamo Heights, Rogers Ranch, and Medical Center. Level 3 : $14.49 per pay period via payroll deduction. Enrollees can visit Level 1 gyms including Alamo Heights, Rogers Ranch, and Medical Center.

Promotion

Gold’s Gym locations offer many amenities such as group exercise, personal training, group cycle, cardio equipment, and more. For a list of locations, visit https://www. goldsgym.com/locate-a-gym/

We are pleased to announce that Jessica Quintanilla has been hired as theAquifer Science Research Supervisor, effective December 23, 2023. Jessica has over 15 years of experience as a hydrogeolo - gist and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master of Science degree in Geosciences from Texas Tech University. Jessica began her employment with the EAA in February 2015 as an Environmental Science Technician and most recently held the position of Senior Geoscientist.user support, helpdesk assistance and IT support for the daily operation.

Jessica will lead various aquifer science research and monitoring activities aimed at clarifying the dynamics of the Ed- wards Aquifer system and will oversee and facilitate the gathering, analysis, and documentation of hydrogeologic data in the aquifer and at the Field Research Park.

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Winter 2024

New Hires

We would like to recognize and congratulate our 4th quarter 2024 EAA employee anniversaries. Thank you for your dedicated service and we wish you many more successful years ahead! Anniversaries

Lorenzo Rangel Electronics Technician II

Name

Date Of Hire Recognized at Board Years of Service

Matthew Rogers Hakan Basagaoglu

1/07/2019 1/28/2019

1/09/2024 2/13/2024

5 Years 5 Years

Lorenzo joined the External and Re- gulatory Affairs division on October 16th. Lorenzo received an Associa- te of Science degree from Palo Alto College. Lorenzo comes to the EAA with 1 year of experience in tech- nology maintenance and support. Lorenzo is responsible for performing installations and repairs of automated meter reading systems.

Deadlines and Events

1st Quarter Birthdays

January 01

New Years Day - Office Closed

Maryam Samimi Senior Modeler

January 05 Timesheets Due January 11 Staff Meeting January 12 Payday January 15

Maryam joined the Aquifer Manage- ment Services division on December 27th. Maryam received a Bachelor of Science degree in Irrigation and Reclamation, a Master of Science degree in Hydraulic Structures from Tehran University, and a Ph.D. in

Micah Meyers Senior Art Design Specialist

Jessica Quintanilla Matt Schwarz Bryan Anderson Jewell Lee Cozort Mike De La Garza Charles Bradshaw Mounika Dereddy Emily Thompson Sandra Haglund Jose Gonzales Destiny Guerra Jes Sterzenback Logan Schmidt Newfel Mazari Destiny Valles Julian Reyes Rob Esquilin

January 4 January 9 January 9 January 14 January 16 January 20 January 20 January 30 February 7 February 15 February 17 February 18 February 21 February 23 February 26

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Office Closed

January 18 Intacct Refresher Training January 19 Confederate Heroes Day - State Holiday January 19 Timesheets Due January 24 Texas Tuition Promise Fund Webinar January 26 Payday February 02 Timesheets Due February 09 Payday February 15 Staff Meeting February 15 YMCA Presentation February 16 Timesheets Due February 19 President’s Day - Office Closed February 22 Fleet Management Training February 23 Payday March 01 Timesheets Due March 07 ServiceDesk Plus Training March 08 Payday March 14 Staff Meeting March 15 Timesheets Due March 22 Payday March 27 PNC Bank Webinar March 29 Timesheets Due

Micah joined the Communications and Development division on De- cember 11th. Micah received a Ba- chelor of Fine Arts degree in Art Di- rection and Graphic Design from the Pratt Institute. Micah comes to the EAA with over 20 years of experien-

Biosystems Engineering from Oklahoma State Univer- sity. Maryam comes to the EAA with over 15 years of experience in water resources management and waters- hed modeling. Maryam is responsible for directing and performing groundwater and watershed modeling and evaluating geologic and hydrologic data to carry out the mission of the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

ce in graphic design and company branding. Working in collaboration with team members, Micah is responsible for designing, developing, and executing marketing ma- terials that sustain the EAA brand.

Julian Reyes IT Administrator I

Derek Hausmann Aquifer Environmental Scientist II

Julian joined the Administration and Financial Services division on January 8th. Julian received an Associate of Science degree in Ne- twork Administration from Palo Alto College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Cy-

March 1 March 3 March 3 March 5 March 7

Derek joined the Aquifer Manage- ment Services division on January 8th. Derek received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Environmental Studies with an em- phasis in Natural Resource Manage- ment from Texas State University.

Paul Bertetti Kristy Smith

Elizabeth Posada

bersecurity from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Julian comes to the EAAwith over 6 years of experience in technology support and maintenance. Julian is res- ponsible for configuring, securing, implementing, moni - toring, and maintaining the organizations applications, servers, network hardware, web infrastructure, backups, and cloud environments. He will also be providing end user support, helpdesk assistance and IT support for the daily operation.

Patricia Mick March 9 Jennifer Wong-Esparza March 11 Isabel Martinez March 17 Laura Hernandez March 21 Laurel Torres March 22 Maggie Veliz March 26 Sarah Valdez March 30

Derek comes to the EAA with over 3 years of experien- ce in environmental compliance and mitigation.EAA brand. Derek is responsible for conducting activities that assess and monitor land uses that protect and enhance the quality and quantity of water in the Edwards Aquifer.

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