5.5 ERMUSR 04-13-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO:FROM: ERMU Commission Theresa Slominski –General Manager MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: April 13, 2021 5.5 SUBJECT: COVID-19 Emergency Leaves ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the extension of emergency leaves ofthe Families First Coronavirus Response Act through May31, 2021. BACKGROUND: Federal legislation was passed into law that provided mandated sick and family leave options for employees with COVID-19 related needs. This legislation was called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (FFCRA) and was effective April 1, 2020 through December 31,2020. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020, allowed businesses that offer such benefits to continue doing so through March 31, 2021, however, the law does not require these benefits to be offered. ERMU extended these benefits through March 31, 2021 at our January commission meeting. (Some businesses qualified for payroll tax credits to offset these costs, which was also extended. There was a prohibition to governmental entities claiming these payroll tax credits, and that prohibition still applied). The American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, allows businesses that offer such benefits to extend them through September 30, 2021, however, does not require these benefits to be offered. Unlike previous legislation, payroll tax credits for employers providing this leave are now available to municipal utilities. Also, the emergency sick leave provision within the FFCRA could be utilized for obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine or to recover from illness related to a COVID-19 immunization. DISCUSSION: Elk River Municipal Utilities has been operating in “safe mode” for much of the pandemic, with staff operating remotely where able as coordinated by their supervisors, and staggered starts and lunches for those who are not able to work remotely. Our offices and facilities are still closed to the public, except by appointment. This allows our employees to have meaningful work, provide for their families, and still offer a safe environment for all concerned. ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 499