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Coffey County commissioners decline a broad vacation buyout, keep existing policy and allow limited 90-day extension
Summary
After department-head input, the commissioners decided against a vacation buyout and instructed department heads to manage scheduling; the board affirmed existing policy for 2026 while allowing a 90‑day extension into the calendar year for employees over the cap.
The Coffey County Board of Commissioners discussed employee vacation payout options and decided not to adopt a broad buyout program.
Staff and department heads reported on prior meetings and the practical consequences of a buyout on departmental budgets and scheduling. Commissioners said the prevailing view from department heads was to maintain the existing vacation policy in 2026 rather than pay out accrued leave; they asked department heads to schedule vacation to avoid multiple employees being off at the same time.
The board confirmed an operational extension allowing employees who exceeded carryover limits to use excess time up to 90 days into the next calendar year. Commissioners directed staff to prepare and distribute a memo to employees clarifying that the policy remains in effect for 2026, that department heads have discretion to approve scheduling, and that any exceptions beyond the 90‑day extension should be reported to the board.
Board guidance and rationale: Commissioners argued a buyout could create budgetary strains and potential incentives to avoid taking time off, and noted they do not want to penalize employees who have earned time. The board emphasized department-head responsibility for operational scheduling and oversight.
Next steps: Staff will circulate a memo to employees and update department heads at the next department-head meeting. Commissioners requested that any use of discretion outside the 90-day extension be brought to the board’s attention.
