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Grantsville's mayor Curtis Garretson, who has announced he will not seek re-election in May, and some members of the town's council have been going round and round over an increased benefit package for town employees.
The increase in benefits, according to the mayor, were approved by a council majority late last year, increasing vacation days to 26 days annually and increasing sick leave days to 26 days annually.
Councilwoman Dorothy McCaulley said, "We are in turmoil over this. Councilwoman Judy Powell and I opposed the increased benefits," during an October vote, "because of the town's finances."
The opposing council members maintain the cash-strapped town cannot afford the increases, and in some cases, extended vacation days leaves the town without coverage.
The town has seven full-time employees entitled to benefits.
It was not clear what was in the previous benefit package, but Garretson said the new 26 sick leave days would require a doctor's statement.
Garretson said new changes to the approved benefits could be a legal liability for the town, an opening for lawsuits.
"It was granted to the employees, and the employees were given this to them by the town, and it is something that should not be taken away," said Garretson.
"My statement in the December council meeting, stating that I would encourage employees to file a lawsuit if they felt they were treated unfairly, is something I would tell anyone who felt they were treated unfairly, whether they are an employee, or anyone on the street," Garretson said.
Grantsville Police Chief Andy Walker indicated to council he would bring a lawsuit regarding a benefits reversal. He declined to comment on the issue for the Herald.
"If the council wants a new policy they would need to vote on a new policy to be in place for future employees," said Garretson, quoting a legal opinion issued by attorney Kin Sayre from Bowles and Rice, "The town can change the policy going forward. They cannot take away the days that have been earned, but can change how future days are earned."
"If the employee who started on 10-13-14 (date of 3-2 vote) or after was promised that the benefit would be earned in a certain way for a period of time, they could claim they had an agreement with the town and be entitled to the benefit," said attorney Sayre.
Opposing council members maintain while they are not opposed to good benefits for town employees, sayings the town's financial operations are troubled, a "Peter to Paul" method to keep it going.
Three of five council members do not have phone listings and could not be reached for comment.
Garretson said a newspaper account stating that the terms and conditions of the town's contract with Gino's/Tudors eatery have changed is not correct.
He said the restaurant will be open in the spring following paving of the parking lot and landscaping.
The filing period is opening for the town's elected officials.
See GRANTSVILLE OFFICIALS IN CONFLICT OVER RESCINDING BENEFIT PACKAGE - Police Chief Threatens Lawsuit Over Proposed Cut-back
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