The representative for District # 9 of Toa Alta and Bayamón, Yazzer Morales Diaz, announced the filing of House Bill 357, which eliminates the compensation (liquidation) of sick leave and vacations for mayors.
The measure amends section 2.058 of Law 107-2020, more commonly known as the “ Puerto Rico Municipal Code, ” to exclude mayors from the right of municipal workers to accumulate and receive pay for regular holidays or for illness or for any other leave specified in the aforementioned Code, as well as those provided for by special laws.
“We understand that, with the new provision recommended here, we generally have greater guarantees of tax control and transparency in the administrative, budgetary and tax processes of the municipalities,” said Morales Diaz in a press release.
“Our mayors accrue vacation and sick leave, among other things, but with rare exceptions, they are not used. Despite the fact that the new Municipal Code stipulates that the aforementioned accumulations must be settled annually on 30 June, this does not happen. The main reason for not making these payments is the lack of liquidity in municipal finances, so these too are not without effect. However, when mayors make use of retirement benefits or do not re-validate after an election, their accumulations are paid regardless of what has been budgeted and without taking into account the balance in the municipal treasury, ”added the Party’s affiliated legislator. PNP).
The representative stated that this legislation “is in accordance with public policy corresponding to the salaries and emoluments of the elected members of the legislature. In this sense, we all know that representatives and senators are full-time civil servants who do not enjoy certain benefits common to other civil servants, such as accruing and receiving pay for regular holidays or illness, Christmas, or worldwide pay at the end of their positions. This law thus deals with a matter of major public interest in the municipal administration ”.
“What should motivate a citizen to pursue a position as mayor should be his heartfelt commitment to serving his people, not the economic benefits he can receive at the end of his term,” Morales Diaz concludes.
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The Puerto Rico Municipal Code is a systematic, orderly and updated compilation of all municipal legislation approved by the legislature pertaining to the organization, government, administration and operation of the municipalities. It describes and provides the legal and legal framework for the exercise and performance of its powers, powers and functions.