REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Update Regarding an Upcoming Pilot Program for Citywide Year-End Holiday Closure
Report
BACKGROUND
In December 2004 (Resolution No. 143-04), the City Council authorized a pilot program for reduced staffing during the year-end holidays, allowing department heads to minimize staffing levels while maintaining basic public services and permitting voluntary unpaid leave without loss of benefits or seniority. This approach was adopted as a cost-saving measure and received unanimous support from employee representatives at the time. Since then, the City has maintained a policy of encouraging voluntary leave during the holiday break, with department heads authorized to determine minimum staffing levels to ensure continuity of City services.
The City is conducting a pilot Citywide Holiday Closure of non-essential City services and facilities during the three workdays between the City-observed Christmas and New Year holidays for Fiscal Year 2026/27, with the intent to provide clear expectations for both employees and the public, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a uniform closure model for potential future adoption.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.3.1 Legislative Management – Goals and Policies, Goal 7.3D: Maintain a quality work force, consistent with state and federal laws, City Charter, and adopted policies in order to assure that City services are provided in an effective, efficient, and high-quality manner.
Salary Resolution Section 3.300. Holiday Leave – City Observed Holidays: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year Day. When a City holiday falls on a Saturday, the holiday will be observed on Friday; when a holiday falls on a Sunday, the holiday will be observed on Monday; or as designated by the City Council.
Administrative Policy Manual Chapter 3 Personnel Article 15 Reduced Staffing Between the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
Council Adopted Strategic Goals (July 2025 to June 2027) – A responsive, t...
Click here for full text