(A) Leave without pay may be granted to an employee upon recommendation of the Department Director and approval of the City Manager or designee. Each request for such leave shall be considered in light of the circumstances involved and the needs of the department. Leave without pay shall not be requested nor granted until such time as all accrued personal leave has been exhausted, except when an employee is absent and drawing workers’ compensation pay. Benefits do not accrue while on leave without pay, except insurance which will continue through the first month of leave without pay beyond the end of the calendar month in which leave without pay status began. Employees remain responsible for required and voluntary deductions and shall make alternate arrangements when they are in leave without pay status.
(B) Leave without pay may be authorized to include time to complete formal undergraduate or advanced degree requirements. Employees who have demonstrated above average performance with the city for a minimum of two years shall be considered for such leave, providing the work situation permits a temporary absence without serious effect upon the department’s operations. A maximum of one year of college work, or the equivalent thereof, may be granted in such cases. No benefits shall accrue while on this type of leave without pay.
(Am. Ord. 2019-10, passed 9-10-19)