The Franklin Town Council approved on July 6 an update to the town’s longevity pay policy that it hopes will help the town recruit and retain new employees.
Under the previous policy, employees did not receive longevity pay until they had been employed with the town for 10 years. Longevity pay is a yearly payment employees receive to recognize their years of service.
Town Clerk and Human Resources Director Travis Tallent said in the first few years that people work with the town they have options to attend trainings and earn certifications. However, from the 5 to 10-year mark, they start seeing employees pursuing other job opportunities.
“It does cost money when you lose employees,” he said.
Council Member David Culpepper said if adopting the new policy would help retain even one employee, it would pay for itself.
Vice Mayor Jack Horton added that not only does it cost the town when an employee leaves, but they also lose the training, knowledge and perspective that person brings to their job.
“If we can do something without breaking the bank, we need to try to let the employees know that number one we appreciate them, and not just a pat on the back, but something in their wallets as well,” Horton said.
Under the new policy, employees who have worked with the town for more than five years, but less than 10 years, will receive a 0.5% longevity payment. The longevity pay rates for employees working with the town more than 10 years remains the same. Longevity pay is distributed as a lump sum at the end of the employee’s anniversary month.
If the new policy were in effect his year, Tallent estimated it would require an additional $1,843 in the budget.
The new policy will become effective with the 2022-2023 fiscal year which begins July 1, 2022.
During the July 6 meeting, the Town Council also took the following action:
• Re-appointed Sabrina Scruggs as town tax collector.
• Approved a resolution to adopt the Clay Macon Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan must be updated every five years and offers guidance on how to prepare and respond to natural disasters in order to reduce long-term risk to life and property. Adoption of the plan also keeps the town in compliance with state Emergency Management Act and the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to be eligible to receive state and federal assistance in the event of a declared disaster.
• Approved a request from the Tourism Development Authority to move $25,000 from the TDA’s fund balance to the current year operating budget. The TDA, which is funded by lodging tax collections, has a fund balance of $152,668.61.
• Approved a 42-day extension for the construction of the fire department substation. The request was due to a delay in the shipment of building materials.
The Town Council meet in closed session on July 8 to discuss the search for a new town manager. No public action was taken.
The next Town Council meeting will be Monday, Aug. 2 at Town Hall.