Taking Directions from Dodie Spencer is a Good Idea

Meet the Action Center’s Dodie Spencer, a first contact for all Municipal Center visitors. She is an administrative assistant with Records Management and one of the latest employees featured in Team Plano’s “Every Job Has Pur...

Beware of the “Romance Trap” and Other Scams

The pandemic seems to have given a green light to opportunists, hackers, and others who are out to defraud people distracted by the changing public health situation. Cybercrime is up, and phishing schemes are everywhere. In April, Google reported over 18 ...

Avoid an Explosive Incident, Remove Hand Sanitizers from Vehicles

COVID-19 concerns have prompted many people to stock their homes and automobiles with bottles of hand sanitizer. Storing this cleaning aid in your car is convenient, but potentially dangerous.

Plano Police Officer David Tilley shared details of an explosiv...

Use Your New Health Benefit: the Airrosti Remote Recovery Program

Every member of Team Plano who is on the City’s health plan can use this virtual program – including spouses and dependents. The Airrosti Remote Recovery Program is convenient and effective digital solution to your chronic pain issues ...

Get into the Swing as Some Sports Programs Return & Dog Parks Open

The most recent news from Plano Parks & Recreation relates to local dog parks reopening and some sports activities resuming. Here’s what you need to know as of May 26:

ADULT SOFTBALL AND KICKBALLBased on the Governor’s updated guide...

Do Mosquitoes Pick YOU out of the Crowd…every time?

You may be itching to get outside, but it’s the season for unwanted company to hone in on your fun – mosquitoes. The Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) team began setting traps in April to study these blood-sucking pests.

Cap...

Manage Stress Together for Mental Health Awareness Month

With help from our One Voice Committee, Human Resources shares the message, “We’re in this Together!” No doubt, these are unprecedented times – filled with uncertainty and change. Now, more than ever, it’s...

Coronavirus Update, May 21: More Businesses Open

Governor Greg Abbott’s May 18 announcement was about Phase 2 openings, homelessness prevention measures and more. Find timelines, guidance and checklists for businesses and customers on the Open Texas Strike Force website.

In the next 10 days, th...

Hear the Latest Parks & Recreation Reopening News

Dive into the most current reopening news about Plano Parks & Recreation pools, parks, centers and camps. FIRST, congratulations to Plano Parks for ranking #17 among the nation’s 100 largest cities on the Trust for Public Land ParkScore Inde...

Put a Snap in Your Day with Pickled Veggies and Hot Chili

Summer gardens will soon start to yield a variety of yummy vegetables ripe for the pickin’. If your DIY micro-farm is producing well this year, consider preserving some of the harvest in pickle jars. Pickling is for more than just cucumbers and ...

City Council Approves Financial Relief for Residents and Businesses

On May 11, City Council approved two amendments to allocate almost $1.5 million to help relieve financial strain caused by COVID-19. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partner...

Take Direction from the May VEER Calendar for Fun & Relaxation

May brought more than gorgeous flowers with the release of our new VEER Calendar of fun to-dos and must-tries. Forced to rethink how we work and play, Human Resources’ Virtual Employee Engagement & Recognition activities are some engaging wa...

Wooing Nature Can be a Beautiful Thing

If you don’t want to go to nature, bring nature to your backyard. In this week’s episode of Parks & Recreation’s “Wednesday Walk,” Renee Jordan (Parks Planning Manager) talks about some easy tricks to ...

Try TMRS’s New Town Square…they’re Open for Business

The Texas Municipal Retirement System has great news about assisting members under COVID-19 restrictions. TMRS is pleased to announce the TMRS Town Square. This new web page contains resources members and cities can access instead of personal contact with...

Share in Plano’s Thank Yous

Take a bow as Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif and a legion of firefighters show their appreciation for all the community support.

Listen to “Thank you from Plano Fire-Rescue.”

Read on...

Take Advantage of Plano’s Tuition Assistance Program

Raise a hand if you want help paying for a continuing education dream. There are funds in the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) to subsidize the cost of college-level courses for full-time employees. This City benefit only covers tuition expenses for appro...

Add Zoom Training Courses to Outlook Calendars

Sometimes we sign up for virtual classes and workshops, but miss out because the events aren’t on our Outlook calendars. This happens more now since COVID-19 halted in-person training sessions.

Typically, an “add to your calendar&rd...

Can the New, More Precise W-4 Save You Money?

Many taxpayers last year got an ugly surprise: Instead of the anticipated refund, they got hit with a tax bill. After a 2017 tax law that cut taxes for many, the IRS reduced the amount of taxes needed to be withheld from paychecks. The outcome was that ma...

Restrictions on Use of City Facilities have Changed

Governor Greg Abbott’s recent declarations mean changes to previous City facility closures and operations. Here’s what’s different:

• High Point Tennis Center is open for open play and private lessons only Monday-Thursday from 9...

Flexible Spending Accounts and COVID-19 Elections Changes

Due to recent coronavirus-related life events, flexible spending account participants may be eligible to change their elections. For some whose life situations were altered, there are options to suspend, modify or add an election.

Dependent Care Flexible S...

Embrace the “Excellence” Value with I SEE YOU SERVE

Send a “pat on the back” when you see someone serving with excellence. Excellence is not only one of our SERVE values (WHAT we are about) but is also part of our brand the “City of Excellence” (WHO we are). Over the...

Human Resources Shares Details on Employee Self-Care Tools

Plano has a number of beneficial work-life programs and services in place to help with your physical and mental wellbeing. Don’t wait until you’re in need or crisis to get familiar with what’s available.

There are several opti...

City Tackles Seniors’ Loneliness – No Swiping Right Required

Early reports made it clear older persons are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and are highly encouraged to STAY HOME. For a great many seniors, this prolonged period of isolation can be devastatingly lonely! While it doesn’t provide opportunities fo...

Reduction of Parking Spaces at Arbor Hills Encourages Social Distancing

Extra safety measures are in effect to promote social distancing and improve the quality of visits to one of Plano’s largest green spaces. Parks & Recreation’s award-winning Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, in response to user comments...

“Play in Plano” with Parks & Recreation Online

Plano Parks & Recreation department is bringing its classes and activities to your home—call it our virtual recreation center! At Play in Plano Online, residents can access a variety of fun resources like kid’s activities, family g...

Zone-out at Lunch with Art and Music

Step back a little from all the COVID-madness to feed your soul with art and music! Delve into free virtual creative experiences courtesy of Plano Arts and Events. Here’s what’s being offered:

Mondays: Free Live Art ClassTake an online ...

Link into John Stanley and Emily Reddington: Every Job Has Purpose

Human Resources and Communications and Community Outreach departments joined talents on a recent project. The focus, “Every Job Has Purpose.” The series of videos regularly showcase Team Plano members and why they chose to work here.

Th...

Tell Someone You Care with an “I SEE YOU SERVE” e-Card

“Organizations where people share values and are valued succeed over the long term in both good and bad times.” This is a quote by Simon Sinek shared in his book “Leaders Eat Last.”

As we continue to work to...

“Ready with Ron” Videos Could Save Your Life

Ron Moore knows all about emergencies and shares that insight regularly through “Ready with Ron” videos. He’s the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordinator armed with a wealth of knowledge to help ...

Get a Handle on COVID- 19 and Your Mental Wellness

Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and wellbeing. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

There is a helpful guide fro...

How to Practice Social Distancing and Still be Social!

Here are a few suggestions on how to stay social during these unsettling times! Social isolation is detrimental to one’s mental health and wellbeing, so it’s important to stay connected with the world outside, even if it’s a ...

Conducting City Business on Personal Devices

Telecommuting and working remotely often means employees have to use their own devices – cell phones, tablets, etc. As a public entity subject to Open Records requests, there are regulations that must be followed when using personal equipment fo...

COVID-19 Affects City Budget

Key information was shared during the March 25 Management Team meeting that impacts all of Team Plano. The 2020-21 Budget for the City of Plano will feel the COVID-19 pinch. However, Plano is still budgeted well enough to sustain the City’s Exce...

Team Plano Coronavirus DAILY UPDATE

A lot happens related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) every day. Get the latest on the Team Plano COVID-19 FAQ page.

This should be your first stop for information on benefits coverage for testing and medical care, virtual options for non-COVID medical needs...

Combat COVID-related Stress with a Skillsoft Class

Relief for what ails you may be just a finger click away with a FREE Skillsoft training class. Take a break from the pressures of coronavirus concerns or everyday challenges. Explore helpful, calming options available with several short Skillsoft videos.

A...

New Payroll Codes for COVID-19 Tracking

Yes, tentacles of the coronavirus are effecting the way we now have to do payroll codes. Payroll Supervisor Brandon Potemra has posted all of the codes needed to properly enter COVID-related business into the system. The complete list of Payroll Guidance ...

Save $$ with PlanoCRX

Looking for a way to save money on prescription drug? Try PlanoCRX. This voluntary international prescription drug program available to eligible employees, pre-65 retirees and dependents of the City of Plano benefits plan offers:

• $0 Copays for select BRAND...

COVID-19 Healthcare Questions Continue

UnitedHealthcare knows you have questions about coverage and they have provided a handy COVID-19 FAQ sheet to guide you as you make decisions. Look through this guide, which covers testing questions, virtual visits and more.

-------------------------------...

Say “I SEE YOU SERVE” Electronically

As we work together during an unprecedented time in our City, state, nation and world, it’s important to recognize how our fellow Team Plano members are demonstrating their passion to serve those around them on a daily basis.

Author Margaret Cous...

Most Recent Employee COVID-19 Updates

Ensuring timely internal updates. We want to be sure you have the information you need, when you need it. Check this site frequently.

Ensuring timely internal updates. We want to be sure you have the information you need, when you need it. Check this site frequently. 

We have limited access to City facilities, effective March 20, 2020. The City of Plano is not closing. We are si...

Be Cautious and Protect Your Pension from Tricksters

Understandably, people are anxious about the future and their finances. You may be seeing an increase in individuals or businesses offering to sell services to “help” TMRS members “maximize their pensions” or improv...

Avoid an Explosive Incident, Remove Hand Sanitizers from Vehicles

COVID-19 concerns have prompted many people to stock their homes and automobiles with bottles of hand sanitizer. Storing this cleaning aid in your car is convenient, but potentially dangerous.

Plano Police Officer David Tilley shared details of an explosiv...

Get into the Swing as Some Sports Programs Return & Dog Parks Open

The most recent news from Plano Parks & Recreation relates to local dog parks reopening and some sports activities resuming. Here’s what you need to know as of May 26:

ADULT SOFTBALL AND KICKBALLBased on the Governor’s updated guide...

Do Mosquitoes Pick YOU out of the Crowd…every time?

You may be itching to get outside, but it’s the season for unwanted company to hone in on your fun – mosquitoes. The Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) team began setting traps in April to study these blood-sucking pests.

Cap...

Beware of the “Romance Trap” and Other Scams

The pandemic seems to have given a green light to opportunists, hackers, and others who are out to defraud people distracted by the changing public health situation. Cybercrime is up, and phishing schemes are everywhere. In April, Google reported over 18 ...

Coronavirus Update, May 21: More Businesses Open

Governor Greg Abbott’s May 18 announcement was about Phase 2 openings, homelessness prevention measures and more. Find timelines, guidance and checklists for businesses and customers on the Open Texas Strike Force website.

In the next 10 days, th...

Put a Snap in Your Day with Pickled Veggies and Hot Chili

Summer gardens will soon start to yield a variety of yummy vegetables ripe for the pickin’. If your DIY micro-farm is producing well this year, consider preserving some of the harvest in pickle jars. Pickling is for more than just cucumbers and ...

Hear the Latest Parks & Recreation Reopening News

Dive into the most current reopening news about Plano Parks & Recreation pools, parks, centers and camps. FIRST, congratulations to Plano Parks for ranking #17 among the nation’s 100 largest cities on the Trust for Public Land ParkScore Inde...

Ask Your Doctor, “Can Memory Loss be Prevented?”

It’s normal to forget things once in a while. However, forgetting how to make change, use the telephone or find the way home may be signs of a more serious memory problem.

If you are worried about your own memory loss or the memory loss of a love...

Summer Recreation Registration Begins Saturday, May 16

The start of summer registration for Parks & Recreation courses is a little different this year. With summer registration on Saturday, May 16, here are some changes you should know:

• Registration opens at 8 a.m. for residents for online registration onl...

Are You a Plano Senior in Need of Help?

The latest Inside Plano Podcast explores how the City cares for all of its residents during the COVID-19 crisis – including our senior adults. Hosts Shannah Hayley and Steve Stoler are joined by special guests:

• Brent Bloeche of the Plano Public L...

Wooing Nature Can be a Beautiful Thing

If you don’t want to go to nature, bring nature to your backyard. In this week’s episode of Parks & Recreation’s “Wednesday Walk,” Renee Jordan (Parks Planning Manager) talks about some easy tricks to ...

City Council Approves Financial Relief for Residents and Businesses

On May 11, City Council approved two amendments to allocate almost $1.5 million to help relieve financial strain caused by COVID-19. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partner...

Plano Wellness Center Hosts a Variety of July Workshops

The coronavirus hasn’t stopped the Wellness Center for Older Adults from rendering needed support services. Wellness staff provide connections to benefits counseling, medical equipment, caregiver aid and so much more. They are conveniently house...

Share in Plano’s Thank Yous to the Community

Take a bow as Plano Fire Chief Sam Greif and a legion of firefighters show their appreciation for all the community support. Look at some of the wonderful videos Plano produced:

Listen to “Thank you from Plano Fire-Rescue.”

Restrictions on Use of City Facilities have Changed

Governor Greg Abbott’s recent declarations mean changes to previous City facility closures and operations. Here’s what’s different:

• High Point Tennis Center is open for open play and private lessons only Monday-Thursday from 9...

Use First Responders When Needed for Emergencies

Don’t let coronavirus fears stop you from calling on emergency responders when the need arises. There has been a drop in the number of 9-1-1 calls since the start of the pandemic. Understandably there are concerns about contamination. However, h...

Find all the Local Help You Need

If questions are troubling you about senior transportation, physical and mental needs or property taxes, there’ a place to get help.

Visit the City of Plano’s Senior Resources webpage for the answers.

Emergency Preparedness: Developing a Care Plan

Do you have a care plan in place? If not, now may be a good time to start one. A care plan is a form that summarizes a person’s health conditions, medications, healthcare providers, caregiver resources, advance directives and emergency contacts....

How to Video Chat on Your Smartphone during COVID-19 Sheltering

Looking to chat with friends, family and significant others without crowding into the same room together? You’re likely to be resorting to video to actually see the people you’re talking to. There are thankfully plenty of smartphone ap...

PMAP Assistance Program Helps High-risk Residents

The Plano Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (PCPAAA) has deployed a volunteer assistance program for Plano residents. The PMAP (PCPAAA Members Assisting Plano) will focus primarily on COVID-19 high risk, at-risk, or temporarily incapacitated Plan...

“Play in Plano” with Parks & Recreation Online

Plano Parks & Recreation department is bringing its classes and activities to your home—call it our virtual recreation center! At Play in Plano Online, residents can access a variety of fun resources like kid’s activities, family g...

Reduction of Parking Spaces at Arbor Hills Encourages Social Distancing

Extra safety measures are in effect to promote social distancing and improve the quality of visits to one of Plano’s largest green spaces. Parks & Recreation’s award-winning Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, in response to user comments...

City Tackles Seniors’ Loneliness – No Swiping Right Required

Early reports made it clear older persons are more vulnerable to COVID-19 and are highly encouraged to STAY HOME. For a great many seniors, this prolonged period of isolation can be devastatingly lonely! While it doesn’t provide opportunities fo...

“Ready with Ron” Videos Could Save Your Life

Ron Moore knows all about emergencies and shares that insight regularly through “Ready with Ron” videos. He’s the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) coordinator armed with a wealth of knowledge to help ...

Zone-out at Lunch with Art and Music

Step back a little from all the COVID-madness to feed your soul with art and music! Delve into free virtual creative experiences courtesy of Plano Arts and Event. Here’s what’s being offered:

Mondays: Free Live Art ClassTake an online a...

Handling Stress and Coping with COVID-19

Older people are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, which may result in increased stress during this crisis. Fear and anxiety about the pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Things you can do to support yourself include:

• Tak...

Team Plano Coronavirus DAILY UPDATE

A lot happens related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) every day. Get the latest on the Plano COVID-19 FAQ page.

Read on...

Support Plano Restaurants and See Best Times for Senior Shopping

If you’re looking for Plano restaurants offering to-go, drive-through and delivery service, we’ve put together a list. https://www.visitplano.com/blog/support-plano-restaurants-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Want to know when is the best ...

COVID-19 Healthcare Questions Continue

UnitedHealthcare knows pre-65 retirees have questions about coverage and they have provided a handy COVID-19 FAQ sheet to guide you as you make decisions. Look through this guide, which covers testing questions, virtual visits and more.

----------...

Save $$ with PlanoCRX

Looking for a way to save money on prescription drug? Try PlanoCRX. This voluntary international prescription drug program available to eligible employees, pre-65 retirees and dependents of the City of Plano benefits plan offers:

• $0 Copays for select BRAND...

Are you a Team Plano retiree on an Aetna Medicare supplemental plan?

As the excitement of the coronavirus heats up, Aetna has a message for you. Effective immediately, Aetna members have access to the following resources:

Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19. This policy covers the test ki...

Will Medicare Cover the Cost of a Nursing Home Stay?

Unexpected medical emergencies could mean a prolonged recovery period in a nursing facility. If you are on Medicare, there are a number of questions to address.

When determining whether Medicare will cover nursing care, consider the following categories of...

Use Skillsoft and Lynda.com for Top-notch Training

Complying with social distancing rules doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. Take advantage of the extensive catalog of course topics provided through Skillsoft and Lynda.com.

For Team Plano, course fees are reasonable (FREE) and course schedule...

Training & Development: Virtual Courses are Available

Human Resources offers a catalog of virtual training opportunities for all job types and levels. Refer questions to Senior Training Coordinators Tony Beasley or Debbie Speed at 972-941-7339 and 972-941-7217, respectively. 

As we transition to live...