Sedgwick County government employees who are new parents will be able to get up to eight weeks of paid parental leave, under a policy that was approved by county commissioners on Wednesday.
The county’s chief human resources officer, Sheena Schmutz, said the policy supports physical and mental well being of employees and it will help in recruiting and retaining employees. She said the leave can be used once per child and it would have minimal financial cost to the county.
Commissioner David Dennis raised concerns over the cost and he felt the leave should be less than eight weeks. Commissioner Jim Howell felt that there should be input from the community on the policy. Howell took part in the discussion by a remote hookup but had to leave later in the meeting to attend a funeral, and he was unable to take part in the vote.
Commissioners voted 3-1, with Dennis voting no, to approve the policy. Dennis said he supports the policy but felt it should provide for a shorter time.
County employees will have to work for the county for 180 days before they are eligible for the policy. It’s estimated that around 60 employees would qualify for the parental leave.
