COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

 

Board of Supervisors

 

DATE:

November 17, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 2, 2003

   

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Michael D. Nevin, Board of Supervisors

SUBJECT:

Extension of Continuation of Salary and Benefits for County Employees Called for Active Military Duty

   

Recommendation

 

Adopt a resolution extending provision of continued employment status for reservists called for duty in connection with military expeditions and operations to combat terrorism and in connection with military operations in Iraq until June 30, 2004.

 

Background

 

Under provisions of the California Government Code, the County is required to provide up to 30 calendar days per year of military leave with pay for any County employee who is in the Reserves. There is no provision in the Code to provide leave with pay beyond the 30 calendar day period. In order to reduce the disruption to the lives of County employees called to active duty, this Board passed a resolution in September, 2001 providing assurance to County employees serving as reservists for the Attack on America that they would receive full pay for the first thirty days of their service and thereafter the difference between their military and civilian pay. In addition, the resolution provided that full benefits would be provided. Since January 2002 these benefits have been extended four times and will expire on December 31, 2003.

 

Discussion

 

This resolution would continue the same pay and benefits until June 30, 2004.

 

Vision Alignment

 

This item keeps the commitment of responsive, effective and collaborative government through goal number 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

 

Fiscal Impact

 

The approximate cost would be $2,000 per employee per month. This amount will vary depending on the County and military salaries of the employees who are called up. Currently, six County employees are receiving benefits under this resolution.