Nicky Boyette – Commission Chair Bill Featherstone said last Tuesday that Parks needs a formalized, written policy regarding vacations, holidays and sick leave that the city finance director could follow when processing payroll. Director Justin Huss added he would need it for the annual audit as well. Huss had prepared a Memorandum of Understanding clarifying his perception of what the director’s benefit package included.
The job description posted in advertisements stated under Compensation and Benefits that the director would receive salary based on education and experience, four weeks paid vacation, 11 paid holidays, sick pay, a tax-deferred retirement program and health and accident insurance.
Commissioner Fergie Stewart suggested some businesses use a set number of floating holidays for employees like Huss who must work on some holidays.
Discussion hit upon particulars, such as carryover from one year to the next, and a cap if benefits were to be accrued. Featherstone said they did not necessarily need to settle the questions at that meeting, but Huss disagreed. He said he accepted the job with an understanding of what his benefit package would be, and stated he would not be sitting at the table that evening if he knew the situation were going to be otherwise. He insisted they resolve the dilemma at that meeting.
After a bit more discussion, commissioner Ruth Hager moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding as presented. Her motion was unanimously approved.