STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission is making some tweaks to its new policy that will convert its leave policy to a single leave accrual system, or P.T.O.
The changes follow opposition from some county employees worried about the retiring of sick leave.
Under the proposal, employees with less than six years of services will have their current sick leave balance forfeited as of a date that has yet to be announced. Employees with six years or more will have three options for the retiring of their current sick leave balance, up to a maximum of 240 hours.
One option would carry over a maximum of 240 hours to be used within 24 months. A second option would split the 240 hours, with half being carried over to be used within 24 months and half to be paid at $11.20 per hour. And a third option would offer a full payout of 240 hours at $11.20 per hour to be paid by the end of the year.
The $11.20 per hour figure is the current minimum wage.
The new policy will convert vacation time to P.T.O., or paid time off. The new P.T.O. policy will also offer more flexibility in how employees can use their leave.
The commission discussed the policy during routine business at their meeting Tuesday, but took no action on its implementation.
