Lehi Heights City Council proposes paid parental leave and police academy funding

The Glenn Heights City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, focused on several important policy updates, including new provisions for parental leave and employee development opportunities.

One of the key discussions centered around the introduction of a paid parental leave policy. The council proposed that employees would receive up to six weeks of paid leave following the birth or legal placement of a child, including adoption and foster care. This policy aims to support employees in bonding with their new children and is applicable to children aged 17 and under. The leave must be taken within a year of the child's birth or placement, aligning with Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the inclusive nature of the policy, noting that it recognizes the roles of both parents.

In addition to parental leave, the council discussed a new initiative to support employee advancement through participation in a police academy. If approved, the city would cover tuition and related costs for employees wishing to pursue careers in law enforcement. Employees would retain their current positions and salaries while attending the academy, and upon graduation, they would have the opportunity to return to their roles or transition into police cadet positions with adjusted pay grades. This initiative aims to foster career growth within the city and address staffing challenges in public safety.

The meeting also touched on holiday policies, particularly regarding the recognition of September 11 as a memorial day for public safety personnel. Council members raised questions about including police officers in this observance, highlighting the need for equitable recognition of all first responders.

The council plans to hold a second reading of the proposed policies at their next meeting on July 1, 2025. These discussions reflect the city's commitment to enhancing employee benefits and supporting career development while addressing community safety needs.