As we look towards Fall, OCMA would like to update our members on our new MOU, our updated Bylaws, and update our members on the Retirement Assistance Program (RAP) that was introduced by the County and approved by the BOS.
You should of all received your COLA of 3% effective September 4, 2026 and your new rate of pay will be reflected on your September 24, 2026 paycheck. The increase of Personal Business Leave (PBL) is also now effective, so ensure you take advantage of using the maximum PBL each fiscal year. Once we receive a copy of the MOU from the County it will be posted on our website.
The 2026 Revised Bylaws were approved by majority vote by the membership on September 14, 2026. The updated OCMA Bylaws will go into effect September 15, 2026 and be posted on the Member Only section of our website within the next two weeks.
Retirement Assistance Program (RAP) – Status
OCMA continues to get calls weekly regarding the County’s Retirement Assistance Program (RAP) and when this program would start. To clarify, this is a County Program and once the RAP is finalized by the County, the County will send an email regarding that information to all employees. We are aware that an Executive shared a start date and end date for the RAP, however according to the County, there is currently no valid start date or end date for the RAP.
What is OCMAs position on RAP? OCMA believes many Managers assumed this program would be open to all Managers, it is not. Department Heads have provided a list of management positions that would be excluded from participating in RAP, making managers in those positions ineligible to participate. OCMAs position is that all Managers should be eligible for this Countywide program and we have expressed this to the County. There are also unanswered questions as to what would occur if an Executive were to take advantage of RAP, and what potential impacts there would be to OCMA Management positions.
We are aware of rumors circulating in the County that OCMA does not support the RAP Program and that OCMA will not be participating, and that is simply not true. OCMA requested a meet and confer regarding the RAP this past July after the Board of Supervisors approved the RAP Program. The County has yet to schedule a meet and confer with OCMA regarding the RAP, which would be the formal process to have discussions regarding the program. In order for the RAP to move forward, a meet and confer process must be completed by the County with all unions. The OCMA Board is supportive of this process we look forward to meeting with the County regarding the RAP.
While we look forward to some cooler weather this Fall, we have several events and activities occurring this Fall that we want to make you aware of. Details regarding these activities will be shared in the coming months so stay tuned for more details.
Upcoming Key Dates
- September 25 | County Holiday – OCMA Closed
- October 6 – 14, 2026 | Call for Nominations for 2027 OCMA Board of Directors – Four (4) positions will be open for 2027. Details to be shared first week of October.
- October 14 – November 3, 2026 | OCMA Supplemental Benefits Open Enrollment. Information on Open Enrollment will be sent out in early October.
- November | Voting for 2027 OCMA Board of Directors
- November 11 | County Holiday – OCMA Closed
- November 26 & 27 | County Holiday – OCMA Closed
- December 3, 2026 | Annual OCMA Holiday Party at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge
As always, thank you for your support.
Stacey McCoy
Executive Director
Orange County Managers Association