Tompkins County asks staff to draft paid caregiver/parental leave policy, citing recruitment and equity

On March 19 the Tompkins County Legislature approved a resolution directing staff to develop options for a comprehensive paid caregiver and parental leave policy for county employees.

The measure (Resolution I, ID 13889) was advanced after committee work by the Workforce, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Budget, Capital & Personnel. The resolution asks staff to evaluate options — including opting into the New York State Paid Family Leave program (a payroll contribution of 0.432% was discussed during the meeting) and assessing whether the county should supplement the state benefit so employees receive closer to full pay while on leave.

Supporters said the policy would help recruitment and retention; Iris Packman summarized committee survey results noting that over 82% of surveyed county employees considered a paid parental leave policy extremely or very important, and that many respondents said improved leave would positively affect retention. Advocates urged inclusion of caregiver leave broadly (to support care for parents, spouses and other qualifying family members, not only childbirth). A number of legislators noted operational concerns: coverage for departments with licensed staff, the need to engage unions (some benefits are subject to collective bargaining and would likely require member votes), and questions about how to calculate pay for commission‑based or self‑employed workers.

The motion to refer the recommendation to staff passed on a roll call with 13 yes votes recorded in the transcript. County Administrator Corsa and department staff said they would involve unions and provide cost estimates and implementation options for BCP review.

Next steps: staff will prepare a policy draft and cost estimates, analyze options (opt‑in vs county‑run program, supplementation levels, and administrative staffing needs), consult unions, and return recommendations to BCP and the full Legislature.