Leon Valley approves one-time facility-fee waiver for employees with 25+ years, exempts recognition ceremonies from fees

The Leon Valley City Council voted Dec. 2 to adopt a policy permitting a one-time waiver of facility rental fees for any city employee who has served 25 or more years. The policy states the waiver applies to the Irene Baldridge Community Center or conference center and does not automatically waive refundable security deposits; councilors additionally agreed that city employee recognition ceremonies (retirements and swearing‑ins) should be exempt from facility fees and cleaning fees.

City Manager Dr. Caldera introduced the proposal in the context of imminent retirements and said the waiver was intended as a modest benefit: "if they've been here for 25 plus years, they get 1 fee waiver." Councilors discussed whether cleaning fees should be waived for retirement events; several members supported waiving cleaning charges when city staff volunteer to set up, open and close the facility. The manager noted that staff and members of the public might contribute refreshments but that taxpayer funds would not be used to purchase event food.

Councilor Campos said the policy was appropriate as a modest benefit for long-term employees and favored making recognition ceremonies exempt from fees. The council moved and voted to approve the policy as presented, with the exception that employee recognition ceremonies would be exempt from facility fees. Staff said two current employees would be immediately eligible under the rule and that the staff would handle scheduling and any deposit/cleaning logistics.