In a recent government meeting, council members debated the addition of four new holidays to the city's standard holiday schedule, reflecting a significant potential increase in time off for employees. The proposed holidays include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Veterans Day, and the second Monday in October, which will be referred to as Indigenous People's Day.

Council members expressed mixed feelings about the proposal, with some advocating for a gradual approach to the increase in holidays. One member suggested starting with one or two additional days to assess the impact on productivity before fully committing to the four-day addition. Others acknowledged the importance of employee morale and retention, emphasizing that while the city may not offer the highest salaries, enhancing benefits like additional holidays could help attract and retain qualified staff.

The discussion highlighted the historical context of holiday scheduling within the city, noting that floating holidays had previously been challenging to manage. The council's decision to codify the recognition of Juneteenth and other federal holidays was seen as a necessary step to align with broader national practices.

Ultimately, the motion to add the four holidays passed narrowly with a vote of 5 to 4, despite some council members expressing reservations about the rapid increase in time off. The council also agreed to revise the language in the policy to reflect the new holiday names, ensuring clarity in the updated administrative guidelines. The decision marks a significant shift in the city's approach to employee benefits, aiming to improve workplace satisfaction and retention.