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Farmington staff propose a three-week parental leave; councilmembers urge longer benefit
Summary
City Attorney and staff proposed offering up to three weeks (120 hours) of parental leave on top of other leave banks. Several councilmembers said three weeks is inadequate and cited neighboring cities' longer leave policies; staff will return with policy details in two weeks.
City Manager Brigham Mellor raised a staff review of parental leave policies during the Feb. 17 work session, noting Farmington’s relatively young workforce and the importance of competitive benefits.
City Attorney Paul Roberts said staff recommends offering up to three weeks of parental leave (120 hours) in addition to sick leave and other leave banks. He reported that surrounding cities range from as little as three days to as much as six weeks; Salt Lake City provides six weeks for recovery plus six weeks of parental leave for a total of 12 weeks, on top of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitlement.
Several councilmembers signaled the proposed three weeks would not be sufficient. Councilmembers Melissa Layton, Amy Shumway and Kristen Sherlock said fathers and mothers in neighboring cities often receive longer leave and urged staff to return with options that offer more time. Councilmember Roger Child and others noted examples of private employers providing longer paternal leave; Mr. Child said some organizations allow up to three months.
City Manager Mellor and staff framed the primary fiscal and operational constraint as coverage — who would perform the employee’s duties while they are on leave — rather than direct payroll cost. Mellor cited the practical difficulty of covering certain roles such as police officers for extended leaves. Roberts said he will return to the Council in two weeks with policy details suitable for adoption.
No formal motion was made; the discussion closed with staff assigned to prepare draft policy language and implementation options.
