(A) (1) The Town of Albion may provide leaves of absence without pay to eligible employees who wish to take time off from work duties to fulfill personal obligations.
(2) Employees in the following employment classification(s) may be eligible to request a personal leave as described in this policy: regular full-time employees.
(B) A leave of absence may be granted for any reason that is deemed to be in the best interest of the town or the employee. Examples include job-related education or medical needs not covered by the FMLA. Written requests must be submitted to a department head who must then submit the request to the Town Council for its approval.
(C) A leave of absence shall not normally exceed six months, but in special circumstances and with the approval of the Town Council, may be granted for a period of up to one year. Each case will be decided on an individual basis. All paid leave must be exhausted prior to taking a personal leave of absence. During a personal leave of absence, an employee shall remain eligible for benefits. However, such benefits shall not accrue for the duration of the personal leave. An employee may retain his or her insurance benefits through COBRA if the leave is greater than 90 days and must make arrangements with the Clerk-Treasurer’s office for the payment of premiums.
(D) When a personal leave ends, every reasonable effort will be made to return the employee to the same position if it is available, or to a similar available position for which the employee is qualified. However, the town cannot guarantee reinstatement in all cases. If an employee fails to report to work promptly at the expiration of the approved leave period, the town will assume the employee has voluntarily terminated his or her employment. The town will comply with state laws regarding the use of personal leave.
(Ord. 2020-26, passed 1-12-21)