City alters vacation sell back policy

RUSSELLVILLE — City councilmembers have voted to amend the personnel policy and procedures ordinance to allow employees to sell back up to 80 hours of unused vacation time each year instead of once every five years.

Employees must notify the human resources department by Dec. 10 if they plan to sell vacation time. Previously, the deadline was May 15.

Employees who sell vacation time will continue to receive straight time pay rather than overtime rates. The payouts will be processed through regular payroll and will not count toward retirement benefits.

The change mainly affects department heads and other employees who may have difficulty taking scheduled time off because of staffing demands.