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Park County staff to revise handbook FMLA language; commissioners discuss possible paid parental leave
Summary
County staff said the employee handbook contains conflicting FMLA language and proposed removing a clause that requires using annual leave; staff also raised paid parental leave options (3–8 weeks) for retention, noting any change would be a budget decision.
County staff told commissioners the employee handbook contains conflicting language on Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) usage and proposed clarifying that employees "may use" annual leave during FMLA rather than requiring it.
The staff member said federal FMLA does not require employees to use annual leave concurrently and that the handbook currently contains both a "may" and a "must" provision, which is confusing. She said she planned to remove the mandatory language so employees could choose whether to use annual leave while on FMLA-protected leave.
Commissioners discussed the point briefly and agreed clarifying the handbook language made sense. The staff member also raised the idea of offering paid parental leave to help recruit and retain employees. She said neighboring jurisdictions offer paid parental leave—citing Gallatin County (6 weeks) and the City of Bozeman (8 weeks)—and suggested the county could consider a shorter benefit such as three or four weeks as a budgetary incentive.
One commissioner asked whether state law requires paid parental leave; the staff member said there is no state requirement. Commissioners asked staff to consider the budget implications and return with options if they wish to pursue the matter.
Next steps: staff will revise handbook language to remove the "must" requirement regarding use of annual leave concurrent with FMLA and will include paid parental leave as a potential budget item for future discussion if requested.
