Council adopts handbook edits; debate over notice and performance-evaluation language

The Whiteland Town Council approved revisions to the employee handbook, voting 5-0 to adopt the changes presented in the packet. The amendments were described as aligning written policy with current practice in the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office and clarified treatment of paid-time-off (PTO) when an employee dies while employed.

Discussion topics: Council members raised whether department heads should be required to give more than two weeks’ notice — one council member suggested a 30‑day notice requirement for department heads “so they can be here when they train.” Other members said while longer notice is preferable as a courtesy it is difficult to require under at‑will employment, and staff emphasized the handbook language reflects existing practice. Several council members also discussed performance evaluations for department heads and administration; some members recalled a prior vote to begin council-conducted annual evaluations and asked that intention be put into the revised handbook going forward.

Why it matters: The handbook revisions change administrative expectations on PTO payouts and formalize practices the clerk‑treasurer’s office already follows. The council highlighted that evaluations are linked to pay decisions and asked staff to include an evaluation schedule and a draft handbook that records agreed processes going forward.

Outcome: The council adopted the resolution to update the handbook as presented; staff said a more comprehensive handbook rewrite is forthcoming and agreed to return with a consolidated, revised draft that also documents the evaluation process for department heads and administration.