Atlantic Beach council moves to rewrite inclement-weather pay policy, draft to be returned for approval

Mayor Pro Tem Harry Archer pressed the Atlantic Beach Town Council on Feb. 12 to change how the town handles pay when town hall closes during adverse weather, arguing employees should not be charged vacation when the municipality is officially closed.

Town Manager John O'Daniel explained the current policy requires administrative staff to use vacation or comp time if town hall is closed while essential personnel (police, fire, public works) must report. Council discussed allowing non-essential staff to work from home where feasible and establishing a number of "Town Manager-authorized" inclement-weather days.

After an extended discussion about equity between exempt and nonexempt employees and operational needs, councilmembers agreed by consensus to draft a revised policy that would: not charge vacation time when town hall is officially closed for weather; give department heads discretion over staffing; and include guidelines for remote work. The draft policy will be brought back for action at the February regular meeting.

Council members noted concerns about employees whose duties cannot be performed remotely and the need to balance fair treatment of staff with taxpayer interests. Archer said he had consulted other municipalities and believed the town manager should have authority to close and pay staff in those circumstances. The council directed staff to prepare implementing language and recommended procedures for managers to follow when closures are declared.

The decision at the worksession was a policy direction; no formal ordinance or personnel-rule change was adopted at the Feb. 12 meeting.