Council adopts parental-leave policy; staff to implement eight-week recommendation

The Indian Trail Town Council unanimously approved a parental-leave policy on Tuesday that provides paid leave to bond with a new child, including for birthing and non-birthing parents, town staff said.

Policy details and comparators: Human-resources staff and the town manager presented the policy as a standard municipal benefit: the recommended model provides up to eight weeks of paid leave for eligible employees to bond with a newborn or newly adopted child. Staff noted other local governments use similar ranges (examples cited during the presentation included six to eight weeks for various municipalities and counties).

How it will be used: Staff explained the policy includes typical eligibility and documentation requirements (birth certificate, adoption papers or similar proof) and that managers should be given notice when feasible. Employees may combine parental leave with accrued sick or vacation time, short-term disability or other paid-time-off mechanisms consistent with the policy and federal/state leave laws.

Why it mattered: Council members said the measure helps retain employees and modernizes benefits to match peer governments. Several members noted that parental leave is increasingly common in public and private employers and that the policy helps the town compete for and retain staff.

Implementation: Human resources will publish the policy, adjust payroll practices and manage documentation requirements. The council approved the policy as presented and asked staff to return with any necessary administrative changes.

Ending: Council voted unanimously to adopt the parental-leave policy and asked staff to implement the policy and to monitor its use and fiscal impact.