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Edison council adopts military-leave update after residents raise pay-differential concerns
Summary
The Edison Township Council adopted ordinance 2273 to revise municipal military-leave rules after public commenters warned the change could reduce pay for reservists; the administration and township attorney said the update increases protections (from 90 to 150 aggregate work days) and codifies pay beyond statutory minimums.
Edison Township Council on Feb. 25 adopted ordinance 2273, which updates the townships military-leave policy to clarify definitions, codify inactive-duty training, and extend paid-combat leave for certain federal reserve members.
The ordinance, read into the record during the work session, drew multiple public speakers who said the change appeared to reduce pay for township employees who serve in the armed forces. "We're actually cutting back on people who are willing to step up and serve our country," said Elizabeth Conway of Netherwood Circle, who asked council to explain whether the town would be making up the difference between military pay and municipal salary.
Administration and the township attorney responded that the ordinance does not reduce existing benefits. The township attorney and business administrator said the change actually extends coverage for active-duty service from 90 aggregate work days to 150 aggregate work days and that the township historically continues to pay a service member's regular township salary while they are on military duty. The attorney added the township's ordinance goes beyond state statutory minimums, which provide limited protection, and that the revised language clarifies that days are counted as work days, not calendar days.
Council members discussed the changes and public concerns before a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded the following votes: Brusher No; Dimma Yes; Kentos Abstain; Patel Yes; Patiel No; another council member Yes; Council President Coyle Yes. The motion carried and the ordinance was adopted.
Council members who supported the ordinance said it did not reduce benefits, clarified ambiguous language, and expanded paid combat-zone leave. Opponents said they were uncomfortable with the text as drafted and asked for clearer notice to affected employees. The administration said it had consulted legal counsel and framed the update as a codification and modest expansion of protections beyond the statutory minimum.
The ordinance takes effect according to the municipal code's standard publication and filing procedures; the administration said the change will be reflected in payroll practice consistent with collective-bargaining agreements and relevant state and federal law.
