Council refers long-running Buffalo Water Authority employment case to civil service

The Buffalo Common council voted to send two agenda items concerning a City of Buffalo employee placed on paid administrative leave for three years to the Civil Service Committee for further review.

Sponsor remarks and subsequent council debate focused on a Masson District resident who, council members said, has been on administrative leave with the Buffalo Water Authority for roughly three years and wants to return to work. Councilmember Everhart, the sponsor, said, "This person just wants to go back to work," and asked multiple departments to appear at the civil service committee next week.

Councilmembers questioned why the case has not been resolved and asked staff to produce additional information before the committee meets. Councilmember Nowakowski asked to be added to the file and requested that the Water Department or the city Human Resources office produce a report showing how many city employees are currently on paid administrative leave and the duration of each leave. Councilmember Rivera and Majority Leader Helton Pope joined requests to be added to the referral and emphasized accountability to taxpayers for long unpaid administrative leaves.

Councilmember White described concerns raised to his office, saying an employee was dismissed after returning from disability and noting potential legal exposure if employment actions are not handled according to law. Rivera pointed out the cost implications if other employees have to cover duties while someone remains on extended paid leave, saying the situation "is unacceptable on behalf of the taxpayers." Several members reiterated that the civil service committee should obtain HR and Water Department briefings and the requested report before the meeting.

Action taken: the council moved to send items 40 and 41 to the Civil Service Committee; the motion was seconded by Councilwoman Everhart and the referral was adopted.

The referral directs committee staff to schedule department representatives to explain the status of the employee’s matter and to compile a citywide report on paid administrative leave counts and durations for review at the civil service meeting.

The civil service committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Notes: The council discussion in open session was procedural and directed staff review; no disciplinary or reinstatement decision was made during the meeting.