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A resolution directing appropriation for and waiving reimbursement claim for overpaid hazard pay bonus provided to certain metropolitan employees of the Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation.
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WHEREAS, on April 29, 2020, the Metropolitan Government Civil Service Commission (the "Commission") adopted a formal Hazard Pay Bonus in response to the Coronavirus pandemic pursuant to its authority under Civil Service Policy 5.10-I; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Commission's minutes from the April 29, 2020, meeting the purpose of the Hazard Pay Bonus was to utilize federal grant funds to support the program proposed by Staff; and,
WHEREAS, on October 6, 2020, the Metropolitan Council passed RS2020-546, appropriating $20,000,000.00 for the hazard pay bonus plan for employees of the Metropolitan Government who met all criteria of the plan to be funded solely by the Coronavirus Relief Fund as part of the CARES Act; and,
WHEREAS, on December 3, 2020, the Metro Department of Parks and Recreation (the "Department") submitted, and its Director specifically attested to, the hours to be paid for its eligible employees' hazard pay bonus (the "Metropolitan Employees"); and,
WHEREAS, a portion of the provided hours were not eligible for the hazard pay bonus plan and resulted in an overpayment to Metropolitan Employees in the amount of $270,000 (the "Overpayment") paid on December 18, 2020, with an average overpayment of $2,400 per employee; and,
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Employees were not informed in advance of the actual hazard pay bonus amount which they were to receive or provided any other expectation of a bonus amount; and,
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Employees were notified of such Overpayment by the Department on January 22, 2021; and,
WHEREAS, the average gross pay per pay period for the Metropolitan Employees is $1,500 and recovery of the Overpayment could present a financial hardship for the Metropolitan Employees; and,
WHEREAS, funding for the ...
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