Kootenai County Board approves revised family medical leave and military leave policies

The Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners convened on February 20, 2025, to discuss significant revisions to various human resources policies, focusing on family and medical leave, military leave, and vacation policies.

The meeting began with a review of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and military leave policy revisions. Key changes included a requirement for employees to utilize their paid accruals—such as sick and vacation leave—concurrently with their FMLA time off, unless they are on an approved short-term disability leave. The short-term disability benefit, which pays 60% of an employee's salary, runs concurrently with FMLA, but employees cannot supplement their income with accruals during this period. The revisions aimed to streamline the policy language and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Commissioner Brandy Falcon raised a question regarding the two-week waiting period for short-term disability, confirming that employees are required to use their accruals during this time. The board unanimously approved the proposed revisions to the FMLA and military leave policy.

Next, the discussion shifted to the leave of absence without pay and military leave policy. Director Sylvia Proutigan highlighted the need to clarify the separation between personal leave and military leave, as the existing language was confusing. The updated policy ensures compliance with employment law and outlines that employees may qualify for short-term disability benefits without needing to meet FMLA requirements. Additionally, it was noted that after six months of no work status, employees' group health plans would end, and they would be eligible for COBRA coverage.

The board also addressed the military leave policy, which allows service members to choose whether to use accrued leave during their military service. Kootenai County will pay service members their full hourly wage for up to 15 days of required military leave each calendar year. The policy also stipulates that failure to return from military leave or to contact a supervisor within three days of the scheduled return would be considered a voluntary resignation.

The meeting concluded with a review of the vacation policy, which required minor adjustments due to the introduction of the short-term disability benefit. Notably, employees will not earn vacation accruals while receiving short-term disability benefits, and accrued unused vacation hours will be paid out upon separation from the county, provided the employee has been employed for at least six months.

The board approved all proposed revisions, ensuring that Kootenai County's human resources policies remain clear, compliant, and supportive of employees' needs.