St. Joseph City Commissioners are weighing their options when it comes to a new parental leave policy for city employees.
Speaking at this week’s regular commission meeting, City Manager Emily Hackworth laid out a proposal that would give eight weeks of paid time off to employees when they have or adopt a new child. She said the policy would only apply to full-time employees, and the 100% paid time off would have to be used within six months of the baby’s or adopted child’s arrival.
Commissioner Michelle Binkley suggested eight weeks of paid time off was a bit much.
“I think I want to know a little bit more,” Binkley said. “I know that other places have fewer weeks and other places have maybe a couple more weeks.”
Binkley said six weeks might be more agreeable. However, Commissioner Michael Sarola questioned the advisability of such a policy at all, saying he supports the legally required 12 weeks parents can now get, but not with the city having to pay out full wages during that time.
“I just don’t think this is the most responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” Sarola said. “That’s my opinion. We have a lot of other major, major needs, and I don’t think we need to add another liability to the budget. I totally understand allowing people to have time off, but to pay them for that, I think, is going down the wrong path.”
Sarola said perhaps employees with a new birth could use vacation or other comp time.
Hackworth said the policy would help with employee retention and attraction. She also said the biggest expense it would likely create would be overtime at the department of public safety and payouts when an employee leaves.
Commissioners Michael Fernandez and Tess Ulrey were willing to go ahead with the eight-week proposal, with Fernandez introducing a motion to approve the policy. He said it would show St. Joe is a good place to work, live, and grow.
Mayor Brook Thomas suggested the matter be tabled so everyone has more time to mull things over. Fernandez withdrew his motion, and commissioners will take up the matter again at a later meeting.
