The Board of Mayor and Aldermen intend to revisit the city’s compensatory time policy because some feel the current policy is being abused.
Alderman Jammie McCoy brought the discussion to the table during the recent city council meeting because he said the city’s current policy is confusing and being abused by some city employees.
“There was a whole lot of confusion with comp time,” McCoy said. “I want to make a motion that until something is figured out with comp time, we just do away with it until we can revisit it. The way it has been done is confusing.”
Alderwoman Elizabeth Thomas seconded McCoy’s motion, followed by a discussion among the council members.
“If they are salary employees, there is no comp time,” said Lilli Evans-Bass, board attorney. “There is no additional compensation beyond their salaries.”
Evans-Bass said the compensation time policy could be amended with whatever stipulations the city board decided moving forward. A lengthy discussion was then held concerning compensation time versus vacation and sick leave.
“So, what you are saying is that the ordinance should state that comp time should not start until you have worked eight hours, or the 40 hours,” Evans-Bass asked. “Comp time shouldn’t accumulate daily until you get your full week. Do you want me to word it that no one can earn comp time until they have physically worked 40 hours in a week?”
“Yes, because the way it is being done now is being abused,” replied McCoy.
Evans-Bass also added that compensatory leave time must be used within a 12-month period. Any time not taken within that period is lost, she said.
Mayor David Starling suggested holding a special call meeting on the matter because he did not agree with McCoy’s motion to end comp time at the moment.
“Everybody knows what is going on,” Thomas said. “What was your motion?”
“Get rid of it,” McCoy replied.
“I seconded it,” Thomas continued. “Let’s vote on it.”
“I am tabling your motion until after executive session,” Starling said, to McCoy. “I don’t think you should hurt the entire city…”
“I’m too old for this,” Thomas said.
“You just said everybody knows what is going on,” Starling said. “I don’t think everybody ought to be involved in a rash decision made without thinking.”
McCoy said the current policy is simply not working.
“It is our problem to fix, and right now, there is something wrong with it,” McCoy said.
Thomas said the abuse of comp time is costing the city money.
“People are probably getting comp time who don’t deserve it,” added Alderman Charlie Jenkins. “It must be regulated. I feel like everybody should be paid for what they do. But I don’t think it should be misused.”
