Morris adopts Minnesota paid‑leave policy; city and employees to split tax

The Morris City Council voted to adopt a Minnesota paid‑leave policy for city employees that staffs said implements the state’s new program, which provides up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to 12 weeks of family leave.

Acting City Manager Blaine told council the state implements the benefit through a payroll tax, and the city proposes splitting the cost equally with employees. “City of Morris chose to split that 50/50 with the employees,” Blaine said, adding the employee share would amount to about 0.44% of pay. Blaine said the policy lays out how employees must notify the city when they request leave and how city leave accruals interact with the state benefit.

The policy discussion included coordination issues for firefighters who work part time for the city and full time elsewhere, and how state leave could be coordinated with federal family and medical leave. Blaine said employees will continue to accrue vacation and seniority while on leave and that some benefits may be prorated in accordance with the policy.

Council approved the resolution adopting the city paid‑leave policy by roll call.

The city will begin procedural steps required by state law; staff said the state program is scheduled to take effect at the start of the year.