8.4. SR 01-19-2021
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.4
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business January 19, 2021 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider Extending Emergency Sick Leave Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Consider extending emergency sick leave as was provided through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
Background/Discussion
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) went into effect April 1, 2020, and expired December 31,
2020. The Act required employers with 500 or fewer employees to provide 80 hours of emergency sick leave to all
employees and expanded the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover absences needed for childcare or
school closings related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Governmental entities were exempted from paying the
employer portion of social security.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, approved in December, did not extend the leave mandate but allows for a
voluntary extension. However, the social security exemption was not extended.
Between April 1 and December 31, 2020, approximately 35% of full-, part-time, and seasonal employees used this
leave, mostly due to required quarantine for exposure, potential exposure, or symptoms and were getting tested.
About 12.5% tested positive for the virus. A few used time due to day care or school closures. Once the leave is
used, employees need to use their own sick or vacation time.
The City Council should consider extending the emergency sick leave portion of the Act for regular employees
who are sick or quarantined and have remaining balance. Cities thus far have set a variety of sunset dates. Staff
suggests June 30, 2021, or when the Emergency Executive Order is rescinded, whichever occurs sooner.
Financial Impact
Employees are paid at their current rate of pay. There is a limited financial impact to when an employee leaves
employment and receives a severance pay out on their accrued sick leave.
Mission/Policy/Goal
This supports the mission to “appropriately govern in an ever-changing environment.”
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020