HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmergency Item - Extension of Employer Provided Sick Leave in Consideration of Expiration of the CARES Act 4\9_,ZPP
ocoee
florida
AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: February 2, 2021
Item #
Reviewed By:
Contact Name: Craig Shadrix, ACM Department Director:
Contact Number: 407-905-3111 City Manager:
Subject: Extension of Employer Provided Sick Leave in consideration of expiration of the
CARES Act
Background Summary:
As the City Commission is aware, the CARES Act, as provided by the Federal Government expired on
December 31, 2020. With the expiration, it resulted in the cessation of the 80 hours of Employer
Provided Sick Leave (PSL) for employees with symptoms of COVID-19. It is anticipated that the Federal
Government will soon pass a new CARES Act by the end of March, but at this point in time there are no
guarantees that it will include reimbursement for the PSL that would be extended past December 31,
2020. If the City Commission chooses to provide this benefit until a new CARES Act is passed, it is
anticipated that it would cost approximately $15,000 per month.
Issue:
Should the City Commission authorize the City Manager to extend Employer Provided Sick Leave for
employees under COVID-19 protocol retroactive to January 1, 2021?
Recommendations:
Based on research and discussion between the Human Resources, Finance, and City Manager's
offices, staff recommends that the City Commission authorize the City Manager to extend PSL for
employees under COVID-19 protocol retroactive to January 1, 2021. It is further recommended that this
policy be in effect through March 31, 2021 with additional extensions on a monthly basis as needed; or,
upon implementation of the new CARES Act. This recommendation is consistent with the recent efforts
of the cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Maitland, Oviedo, Winter Park, and Winter Garden.
Attachments:
None
Financial Impact:
Based upon extending up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related PSL to employees who have not already
exercised the benefit under the previous CARES Act, it will cost the City a conservatively estimated
$15,000 per month. This will include retroactively reinstating Paid Time Off (PTO) for employees who
were absent due to COVID-19 protocols since January 1, 2021. Additionally, the Finance Department
will maintain and record this COVID-related PSL until such time as a new CARES Act is passed in
hopes that reimbursement may be authorized retroactively by the Federal Government. This program
will have little effect on the current year budget as reinstating PTO creates a future liability and not a
current-year expenditure.
Type of Item: (please mark with an x')
Public Hearing For Clerk's Dept Use:
Ordinance First Reading Consent Agenda
Ordinance Second Reading Public Hearing
Resolution Regular Agenda
X Commission Approval
Discussion& Direction
Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney N/A
Reviewed by Finance Dept. Abigail Herrera 2/2/21 N/A
Reviewed by ( ) N/A
2