The Taneytown City Council approved a leave buyout totaling $14,925.76 for two police officers and the city manager after a brief debate over policy and staffing constraints.

Council members were presented with a memo detailing recommended buyouts for Officer Longo (114 hours, $2,889.90), Officer Klizak (64 hours, $1,823.36) and City Manager Jim Weprich (190 hours, $10,212.50), for a combined total of $14,925.76. The memo said leave is budgeted as a liability in the annual budget and no immediate budget amendment was required.

Council discussion focused on whether the payments would conflict with existing leave-carryover rules. One member asked if the buyouts “supersede current policy” and whether staff had been able to use leave under normal rules. City staff and the police chief explained that training schedules — officers being in academy and field training — prevented officers from taking leave without jeopardizing coverage. The police chief told the council that paying overtime to cover other officers would be more expensive than buying out unused leave.

A council member moved “to perform the leave buyout as outlined in the letter,” and the motion was seconded. The council voted by voice; several members said “aye,” one member voiced opposition, and the motion carried. Staff were directed to start processing the payments.

The council also discussed whether to revisit formal leave and carryover policy for future hires who spend significant time in training. Several members said they would consider drafting clearer rules to avoid ad hoc approvals moving forward.

Action taken: staff can begin processing the approved buyouts. No additional budget amendment was required at the time; adjustments will be reflected in a future midyear amendment if needed.