Crookston council votes to implement Minnesota Paid Leave program; city share estimated at $25,000

The Crookston City Council approved a resolution to implement the Minnesota Paid Leave program, a state-administered insurance benefit set to begin Jan. 1, 2026. The council voted on item 8.01 after a short presentation by Darren, who summarized program coverage and the city's estimated cost.

Darren said the program rate is 0.88% of wages and is split equally between employer and employee, so the city would contribute 0.44% of covered wages. "About $25,000 a year" was the staff estimate of the city's annual share. He described program benefits as up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to 12 weeks of family medical leave within a benefit year, with a combined maximum (as presented) that may not exceed 20 weeks; the state-administered program would pay a percentage of wages for qualifying employees.

Council member (speaker 6) moved the resolution and the clerk (speaker 3) seconded; the council approved the measure by roll call with all members voting aye. Council members asked whether the cost had been built into the upcoming budget; staff said it had been accounted for in the work on the 2026 budget.

The resolution implements the city's administrative steps to withhold the employee portion from wages and to remit the employer portion as required by state program rules. Staff noted that more detailed payroll procedures and policy revisions will be required and that those materials were included in the packet and will be carried out before the program's start date.

The council recorded the vote and moved on to the next agenda item.