Atlantic Beach council debates policy to avoid charging vacation time during weather closures

Town Manager John O'Daniel reviewed proposed amendments to the town's adverse‑weather personnel policy that would clarify that employees are not charged vacation time when Town Hall is officially closed for hazardous weather.

Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer and Councilmember Joseph Starling argued the change protects employees' safety and cited practices in similar towns that do not deduct vacation for weather closures. Archer emphasized potential liability if employees were forced to travel in unsafe conditions.

Councilmember Renea Baker asked to delay final approval until absent Councilmember Joey Dean could participate and questioned transferring closure authority to the Council rather than retaining it with the Town Manager and department heads. Baker said she understood the policy to mean employees would not be charged vacation when the office was officially closed, but individuals who cannot reach an open office would still need to use leave.

Council discussed work‑from‑home options for employees with remote access; Archer said employees with laptops should work remotely and be paid for the day when feasible. Town Manager O'Daniel raised concerns about quorum requirements and practicalities of declaring closures during major disasters and requested clearer language for extended closures.

Council agreed to change language from 'shall' to 'may' concerning Council approval of multi‑day closures, and Councilmember Starling will prepare revised wording for the April work session. Staff will submit the draft to Attorney Gordon for legal review before the council considers final adoption.