City agrees to pay reservists

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- With possible military duty looming for six city

workers, officials in City Hall have worked out a deal to extend their

pay while on duty.

The City Council approved a resolution that will pay city employees

called up to active duty for 180 days. The agreement also provides

benefits for the employees and their children.

City Manager Allan Roeder said it is the least the city can do to help

those who defend our country.

“I think it is a policy that should not only be practicedin the public

arena but by private employers also,” Roeder said.

State and federal laws require that the city provides wages for 30

days per year. It also protects a worker’s position for 180 days. What

the city’s new resolution will do is bridge the gap between the two and

provide full salary and benefits for the full six months, if needed.

Roeder said he also has the discretion to extend the benefits up to

another 180 days, based on individual cases.

Since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon

on Sept. 11, military personnel has been beefed up nationwide. Many

reservists are being called to duty to participate in America’s

anti-terrorist campaign, known as Enduring Freedom.

About six city employees are reservists who could benefit from the

resolution, said Personnel Manager Howard Perkins.

One employee has already been given orders, he added.

In 1991, the city passed a similar resolution during the Gulf War.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .