| ITEM #: 6. DATE: 01/24/2022 AI #:643 |
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | COVID-19 LEAVE FOR COVID POSITIVE CASES (EXTENSION) |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Lyman Locket, Human Resources Director |
SUMMARY
In September 2021, Council approved to reinstate paid leave for employees testing positive for COVID-19 and/or who are experiencing symptoms from receiving a COVID vaccination/booster, retroactive to June 1, 2021 with a stipulation to review this leave in 90-days (January 2022). During this period of June 2021 through December 2021, 58 employees have requested a total of 3,852 hours of paid COVID leave.
Due to the impact of the Omicron variant, we are requesting to extend the paid leave an additional 7 months, with a review no later than August 2022. Employees who are ill will be required to provide proof of a positive diagnosis or a proof of a recent vaccination to access the leave. Based on our past experience, we estimate that on average approximately 8 to 12 employees per month will access the leave.
Due to the impact of the Omicron variant, we are requesting to extend the paid leave an additional 7 months, with a review no later than August 2022. Employees who are ill will be required to provide proof of a positive diagnosis or a proof of a recent vaccination to access the leave. Based on our past experience, we estimate that on average approximately 8 to 12 employees per month will access the leave.
Recommendation
Approve 7-month extension for paid leave for employees testing positive for COVID-19. (Lyman Locket, Human Resources Director)
FISCAL IMPACT
It is estimated that 8-12 employees per month will avail themselves of this leave. The majority of this leave will have no budgetary impact as employees will continue to get paid their budgeted salary while on COVID leave. In the event that backfills are necessary to ensure adequate staffing it is anticipated that the cost of these backfills will be absorbed within the departments currently allocated budget.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
The availability of paid leave is a key component of managing and encouraging employees to stay home if they do not feel well. During the period of April 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020 the Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) required us to pay leave related to the pandemic. Once the mandated program ended, we presented and received Council approval to extend the benefit through May 31, 2021. In September 2021, Council approved to reinstate paid leave for employees testing positive for COVID-19 and/or who are experiencing symptoms from receiving a COVID vaccination/booster, retroactive to June 1, 2021 with a stipulation to review this leave in 90-days (January 2022).
STAFF ANALYSIS
During the period of June 2021 through December 2021, 58 employees have requested a total of 3,852 hours of paid COVID leave. We estimate that on average approximately 8 to 12 employees per month will continue to access the leave.