HR Buzz News

ANNUAL AND SICK LEAVE POLICY CHANGES

Background DeKalb County paid out approximately $12 Million in leave payouts for early retirees in 2010. As a result, HR was tasked to review the Countys annual leave and sick leave policies to reduce the Countys future liability for leave balances and payouts. Human Resources surveyed 7 jurisdictions: -- Based on size, function, and population served -- 4 Local (City of Atlanta, Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett Counties) -- 3 Non Local (Jefferson County, AL; Mecklenburg County, NC; and Fairfax County, VA) Findings -- DeKalbs sick leave policy is consistent with other jurisdictions -- DeKalbs annual leave policy is more generous than most other jurisdictions for maximum annual leave accrual rate, carryover limit from year-to-year, and payout upon separation. Feedback Human Resources solicited feedback from numerous departments, including department heads, payroll/personnel coordinators, administrative managers, operational managers, and front-line supervisors. This feedback was incorporated into the final recommendations presented to the BOC: Recommendations Adjust maximum accrual rate from 240 hours to 216 hours (max reached at 20 years instead of 25 years): --- $68,000 estimated annual savings Modify maximum annual carryover based on years of service: --- Under ten (10) years service maximum annual carryover = 240 hours --- Ten (10) years service or more maximum annual leave carryover = 360 hours --- $9.3 Million projected savings with employees not exceeding proposed maximums Provide the following options for any excess leave over the new maximum carryover limit: --- Convert excess annual leave into sick leave, hour-for-hour --- Place excess leave into a reserve account to be paid upon separation at employees last 2011 pay rate Amend Maximum Annual Leave payout: --- 360 hours for employees with 10+ years --- 240 hours for employees with under 10 years of service Discontinue practice of converting 15 days of sick leave to 1 day of annual leave at separation --- Not a practice in other governments Note: Employees will not lose any accrued leave as a result of the proposed legislation.

HR June 2011