Compensated absences FY2011, 2012 and 2013 (New Bedford Personnel Office)
| Submitted | Oct. 3, 2013 |
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Communications
From: Shawn Musgrave
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c.66, ยง10, I hereby request the following records:
-A copy of the policy for reimbursement related to compensated absences that are recorded as liabilities in finances
-A record of the total amount of compensated absences that are recorded as liabilities for FY2011, FY2012 and FY2013
I also request that, if appropriate, fees be waived as we believe this request is in the public interest, as suggested but not stipulated by the recommendations of the Massachusetts Supervisor of Public Records. The requested documents will be made available to the general public free of charge as part of the public information service at MuckRock.com, processed by a representative of the news media/press and is made in the process of news gathering and not for commercial usage.
I expect the request to be filled in an accessible format, including for screen readers, which provide text-to-speech for persons unable to read print. Files that are not accessible to screen readers include, for example, .pdf image files as well as physical documents.
In the event that fees cannot be waived, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Shawn Musgrave
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Oct. 3, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: MuckRock.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I wanted to follow up on the following Freedom of Information request, copied below, and originally submitted on Oct. 3, 2013. Please let me know when I can expect to receive a response, or if further clarification is needed.
Thank you for your help.
From: Lisa Presby
This is in response to your request pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10 (the Public Records Law), sent to the Personnel Office for the City of New Bedford on October 3, 2013.
Please be advised that there is no policy for reimbursement related to compensated absences that are recorded as liabilities. The City of New Bedford is subject to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with various bargaining unions that represent employees of the City of New Bedford.
The total amount of compensated absences that are recorded as liabilities for FY 2011 and FY 2012 is $15, 474,987.45. FY 13 has not been audited yet.
Lisa A. Presby
Compliance Officer
City of New Bedford
Office of the City Solicitor
133 William Street - Room 203
New Bedford, MA 02740-6163
Tel. (508) 979-1460
Fax (508) 979-1515
From: Shawn Musgrave
Hello,
Thank you for getting in touch. If there is no policy, I request the collective bargaining agreements that outline policy for municipal employees.
Please also provide the documents from which the quoted figures for FY2011 and FY2012 were drawn.
Thank you,
Shawn
From: Lisa Presby
Shawn:
There are 7 collective bargaining agreements for the City of New Bedford. Approximately each contract contains 100 pages (some contain more, some less).
In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 66, Section 10 the law allows the City to charge .20 per copy and the cost of the time for producing the documents. For the copies alone it will cost approximately $140.00 plus the time spent copying the documents. The City does not waive fees for requests under the Public Records Law.
Please advise if you are willing to pay for the documents. If so, I will get you the actual cost. As far as the document with the FY 2011 and FY 2012 numbers, I will have to obtain that from the Auditor's Office.
I will await your response as to payment.
Lisa
From: Shawn Musgrave
Hello,
Yes, please prepare a full cost estimate. Other municipalities have been able to complete this request for substantially lower by providing copies of the budget, which often has a line item specifically for compensated absences.
Thank you for your assistance.
Best,
Shawn
From: Lisa Presby
Shawn:
I have 2 computer printouts from the Auditor's Office which shows the balance for FY 11 and FY 12. I am told this is an ongoing liability account which is audited every year. If you are interested in those 2 pages alone, I can scan them and email them to you at no charge.
If you are interested in the 7 collective bargaining agreements the cost is as follows:
482 pages x .20 per page = $96.40
1.5 hours @ 27.22/hr. = 40.83
Total = $137.23
Please advise.
Thanks,
Lisa
From: Shawn Musgrave
Hello,
Thank you for your assistance. We are willing to pay the $137.23. Where shall we send the check?
Best,
Shawn
From: Lisa Presby
Shawn:
Please send a check or money order made payable to the City of New Bedford to my attention:
Lisa A. Presby, Compliance Officer
City of New Bedford
Office of the City Solicitor
133 William Street - Room 203
New Bedford, MA 02740-6163
Upon receipt of the check, I will have the documents sent to you within two business days.
Lisa
From: Shawn Musgrave
Ms. Presby,
The check is on its way.
Thank you for your help.
Best,
Shawn
From: New Bedford Personnel Office
A cover letter granting the request and outlining any exempted materials, if any.
From: New Bedford Personnel Office
A copy of documents responsive to the request.
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