Buellton council updates personnel rules, removes two proposed holidays from observance list

The Buellton City Council on March 12 adopted an updated personnel rules and policies resolution but removed two proposed paid holidays — Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day — from the city holiday list for later consideration.

City Clerk and Human Resources Director Linda Reid presented the comprehensive update, saying the personnel rules had not been fully revised since 2018 and needed alignment with new state and federal laws. Reid outlined several substantive changes: reinstating a deferred compensation program, increased on-call pay and a two-hour minimum, a new paid family leave policy providing up to 12 weeks for birth/adoption and other categories, a commercial-driver drug-and-alcohol policy, cybersecurity and an electronic-communications update.

Reid summarized the on-call pay change: staff proposed doubling the on-call payment to $120.50 per on-call period while preserving a two-hour minimum for call-outs. Council members asked how the on-call pay and minimum would apply; Reid and staff clarified the $120.50 is an on-call compensation amount per on-call period and call-outs continue to be paid at straight or overtime as applicable.

Council debate focused on the addition of two paid holidays. Council member Sanchez objected to adding the two days without separate budget discussion, saying the council should be prudent about benefits additions. After discussion, Mayor Silva moved to approve Resolution No. 26-03 with the removal of Juneteenth and Cesar Chavez Day from Attachment 1; the council approved that motion.

Personnel attorney Richard Schreba urged a regular review cadence for the rules, recommending a two- to three-year refresh to keep the handbook aligned with changing law and to reduce future large updates. "Every two to three years is a good approach," Schreba said, noting alignment helps defend the city from liability and ensures employees have up-to-date guidance.

The resolution passed with the holiday deletions; staff will distribute updated policies to employees and return holiday-specific changes to the council for later consideration.