Title
Staff Report for Resolution Approving the Voluntary Incentive Separation Program for Eligible City Employees Affected by Lack of Redevelopment Funding
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to implement a Voluntary Incentive Separation Program for those eligible employees affected by the lack of Redevelopment Funding. In this severe fiscal situation, the separation incentive is being proposed in an effort to mitigate the number of potential layoffs.
BACKGROUND
As incentive to voluntarily separate, many agencies have provided a lump sum of money payable upon separation (and signing an agreement). Most have specific criteria to qualify such as a number of years with the agency, a maximum payoff, a set window of opportunity, and justifiable savings. The City has determined that as many as ten full-time positions are potentially affected by the lack of Redevelopment funding and all are located in the Community Development Department. However, given that there are several vacancies for transfer opportunity within the City, as well as some replacement funding available, we anticipate only a limited number of layoffs. There are also several part-time positions affected by the lack of funding, and while they are not covered by the lay-off rules and thus not eligible for the proposed incentive program, it is proposed that their employment with the City continue up until the end of the fiscal year allowing them time to seek other employment. Transitional assistance will be provided as needed for affected individuals to provide an orientation to resources such as Employee Assistance Program, Unemployment Insurance, PERS retirement and Social Security, and job search resources.
The City Manager is proposing to offer a cash incentive program during a two-week window to full-time employees that are impacted by the elimination of redevelopment in an effort to avoid layof...
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