Sellersburg council discusses clarifying handbook language on weather and travel emergencies

Town Manager Charlie led a discussion on Jan. 13 about amending the town employee handbook to clarify compensation and attendance rules during weather and travel advisories.

Current handbook language on page 28 instructs that if "Clark County or the county in which you live declares a weather emergency, the town will compensate you for your scheduled work hours," and otherwise employees must use PTO. Staff and council members said the county issued a travel warning—distinct from a weather emergency—during the recent storm, which created confusion about pay and who could stay home.

Charlie and council members discussed a proposed wording change to capture both situations. As one option, Charlie suggested simple language: "If Clark County or the county in which you live declares a weather and/or travel emergency." Councilmembers and staff discussed who would determine which employees are essential: department heads, the town manager and the police chief were identified as having discretion to require essential staff (for example, police and public works crews who must operate in storms) while administrative staff could be excused.

Council members raised concerns about employees who live in neighboring jurisdictions where another county or city issues advisories, noting the handbook should not "muddy the waters" and should allow the town to make its own determination. Michelle Miller and staff will work with Charlie to prepare amended handbook language; Charlie said the amendment could be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025 to cover the recent storm. No formal amendment was adopted at the meeting; council asked staff to bring back revised language for consideration in a future meeting.