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City Clerk <br /> DATE: 12/14/2023 <br /> MEMO: <br /> TO: Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe <br /> Decatur City Council Members <br /> FROM: Scot Wrighton,City Manager <br /> SUBJECT: Ordinance Regarding the Illinois Paid Leave for All Workers Act for the City of Decatur,Illinois <br /> SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the ordinance be adopted. <br /> BACKGROUND: <br /> Earlier this year,the Illinois General Assembly adopted legislation mandating that all employers provide paid leave to their <br /> employees. The bill was signed into law by the Governor. The legislative intent of the bill is commendable,because employers <br /> should provide reasonable paid time off to their full-time staff under a consistent benefits plan. The city of Decatur exceeds the <br /> requirements of the new law. However,the bill was drafted rapidly,was not thoroughly vetted and had several unintended <br /> consequences. The Illinois Municipal League sought to correct these deficiencies during the Fall Veto Session,but was not <br /> successful. <br /> The new legislation exempts public school districts and park districts in recognition of the fact that these units of government <br /> have large numbers of part-time and seasonal staff. No such exemption was offered to municipalities. Nor did the new bill <br /> adequately clarify when cities and other public employers can maintain their existing paid leave provisions on matters that are <br /> left client in the legislation. Finally,the new legislation did not pre-empt home rule authority,so we believe that home rule cities <br /> can opt out if they wish. Under the circumstances,and because the city of Decatur already has a generous paid leave policy,I <br /> recommend that the council act to both protect its existing policies,and exercise its home rule opt-out option. This action must be <br /> taken by the end of 2023. <br /> PRIOR COUNCIL ACTION: None <br /> BUDGET/TIME IMPLICATIONS: The new legislation does not have a large financial impact on the city of Decatur <br /> because the city has comparatively few seasonal and part-time staff(lake patrol staff,summer laborers,a few part-time office <br /> staff). Paid time off benefits provided to the city's full-time staff greatly exceed the mandates of the new bill. However,it creates <br /> scheduling and logistic problems(e.g.,providing vacation for short-term summer workers at the lake would be disruptive). <br /> ATTACHMENTS: <br /> Description Type <br /> Ordinance Regarding the Illinois Paid Leave For All Ordinance <br /> Workers Act <br />