Retired Police Captain Cashes Unused Sick Leave for $115,900

One of the unaccounted-for expenditures from the city’s general fund this year was a lump sum payment to a police captain who retired and cashed in 2,240 hours of unused sick leave for $115,900. The benefit, which allows staff to convert unused sick leave into an annuity, was originally instituted to discourage employees from taking unnecessary time off. It caps at one year for the rank and file but is unlimited for managers and supervisors. “These are big numbers that are kind of hidden,” said Councilmember Bendy White.