COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager’s Office

DATE:

May 23, 2005

BOARD MEETING DATE:

June 7, 2005

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

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 December 31, 2005.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

The continuation of employment status for armed forces reservists called to active duty continues the practice of supporting our employees who have been called from home and County service to provide protection and support to the nation as a result of the military operations in Iraq.

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 seven times and will expire on June 30, 2005.

DISCUSSION:

This resolution would continue the same pay and benefits until December 31, 2005.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The approximate cost is $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.