Pickens Commissioners approve a new sick leave policy

PICKENS, Ga.— The Pickens County Board of Commissioners met Sept. 16 to discuss a new sick leave policy and voice formal support for a new scenic byway.

Chairman Kris Stancil first asked the board to consider creating a “sick bank” policy during the first Board of Commissioners September meeting. During the second September meeting, the completed policy was approved unanimously by the board. The shared leave policy will allow employees to opt-in with an initial contribution of at least 4 hours. Afterwards, workers are able to donate up to 80 hours a year. Only employees dealing with a serious illness (as defined by the FMLA), who have already expended all personal sick leave and vacation time, will be allowed to withdraw from the sick bank. However, employees will only be able to withdraw a maximum of 12 weeks worth of leave.

“This gives us an opportunity to be able to ensure that we have a job for them to come back to,” Stancil said. Paula Peace, who was present at the meeting, drafted the policy. When asked if the policy runs smoothly elsewhere, Peace assured the board she has heard no negative feedback from neighboring counties.

The Board of Commissioners also discussed a new scenic byway being proposed by the state. The proposed Amicalola Falls Scenic Byway would stretch from Ellijay, Ga to Dawsonville, Ga, with portions entering Jasper and Talking Rock. The board granted unanimous approval for the byway, meaning the state can continue their application process. Although Pickens County takes on no new responsibilities with the byway, Stancil did say the county might assist with signage. 

At the end of the meeting, Charlene Bunch presented a financial status update for the month of August. Stancil noted that almost every county department is significantly under budget for the fiscal year: “I just want to brag on all the departments.”