Torrington council adopts new sick‑leave cash‑out policy for future hires, preserves converted retirement option for current employees

The Torrington City Council adopted changes to its personnel handbook on Dec. 16 that split sick‑leave benefits into two distinct policies for new hires and current employees.

Clerk‑Treasurer Lynette Strecker explained that the wage committee recommended separating the prior single policy into (A) a "sick leave upon separation" policy for employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2026, and (B) a retained "sick leave upon retirement" policy for employees hired before that date. For employees hired after Jan. 1, 2026, the separation policy allows eligible employees (minimum 10 years of full‑time service, meets‑expectations performance rating, two weeks’ notice) to receive 50% of the value of their accumulated sick leave up to a cap of $7,500, payable as a lump sum or added to deferred compensation.

For employees hired before Jan. 1, 2026, the retained retirement conversion allows up to the same $7,500 cap (previously $5,000) to be converted into a fund used to pay monthly group health insurance premiums or a Medicare supplement. Strecker said the committee raised budgetary concerns about sustaining the original larger conversion amount and that the change aims to reduce long‑term liabilities while preserving benefits for existing employees.

Council discussed implementation details including eligibility, proof of Wyoming retirement enrollment, the effect on budget planning and whether a reserve fund would be set aside. Strecker said HR and the committee will pursue secession (sic) planning and recommended setting aside funds in future budgets to address the liability.

Councilman Victorin moved to approve the two new policies (items 5A and 5B); Councilman Warren seconded, and the council approved both policies by unanimous voice vote. Later, council approved related handbook amendments clarifying sick‑leave language, the separation of retirement rules, and replacing references to an "oversight officer" with "mayor's designee."