Board will not close county offices for Carter day of mourning; staff may take unpaid or leave-covered time

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors declined to close county offices on the federal day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter and instead authorized staff to take the day off using their vacation/leave banks or as unpaid leave subject to department coverage needs.

CAO Alicia Hayes briefed the board on the presidential proclamation and a range of county practices in other California counties. The board discussed labor and budget implications; supervisors noted that unlike some counties, Humboldt’s labor agreements and budget do not automatically provide that day as a paid holiday. The board chose a compromise: county offices would remain open; supervisors encouraged department heads to permit employees who wish to mourn to take unpaid or banked leave, with essential operations and court-mandated services staffed as required.

The vote was unanimous (5-0). The board asked departments to coordinate coverage and communications for the public about any service interruptions.

Why it matters: The decision balanced fiscal prudence (avoiding unbudgeted holiday pay and overtime obligations for essential services) and employees’ wishes to observe the day. Supervisors noted the county had previously closed offices in response to other national days of mourning but preferred the leave-based approach this time due to budget and collective-bargaining considerations.

Board action: Motion carried 5-0 to keep county offices open and permit staff to take the Jan. 9 day of mourning off using their own leave banks or as unpaid leave; essential services to remain staffed as needed.