Council tables revised 2026 employee handbook after questions about scope and costs

A proposed comprehensive revision to the City of Wayne employee handbook was presented to council and then tabled for further review until the first meeting in January.

Elise, a city staff member who helped compile the redline, told council the 2026 draft consolidates disparate policies — including whistleblower protections, a clarified ethics and gift policy, lactation accommodations, an employee-assistance program and a sick-leave donation exchange — into one handbook. She said remote work would remain subject to department-head approval and that a cell-phone stipend could be reimbursed through payroll at up to $60 per month (taxable) when a business need is shown.

One of the most discussed changes is a proposal to expand part-time paid holidays to nine days. Staff estimated the change would affect roughly 22 part-time employees and cost about $24,000 annually; council members asked whether the cost would be added as a budget amendment or start with the fiscal year. Council members said the packet is large and requested a clearer redline indicating which holidays are new and how the change would be implemented.

Several council members praised the effort to standardize scattered policies but said they needed time to digest details. Councilman Quarles moved to table the item until the Jan. 6, 2026 meeting; the motion, supported by Councilman Darwetch, passed unanimously. Staff said they will circulate a written summary of the new holidays and answer council questions by email before the next meeting.