Dutchess Community College rarely cancels classes due to snow. The cancellation of classes does not necessarily mean that all offices are closed. The County Executive is responsible for making decisions regarding the County workforce and the closing of offices.

In the event weather conditions occur which are not bad enough to declare a State of Emergency but which could pose a threat and danger to County employees, the County will implement the Inclement Weather Policy and allow non-emergency employees to be dismissed. Dismissal of College employees MUST be approved by the Department Head (COLLEGE PRESIDENT) at the direction of the County Executive. Employees who request to be dismissed or who arrive late to work are able to either make up the time within the succeeding three weeks or use accrued vacation, personal or compensatory time. Employees who have used either sick time or prescheduled benefit time may not make up the time. Employees who remain at work and emergency employees shall receive normal compensation. Certain employees may be required to remain at work to maintain coverage in the department.

In extreme cases, the County Executive may declare a State of Emergency. Under such circumstances, it is County policy to treat all employees in a fair and equitable manner in accordance with the following rules:

1. Employees should listen to local radio stations to determine if a State of Emergency has been declared in Dutchess County.

2. If a State of Emergency is declared with at least two hours notice prior to the start of a work shift, only emergency personnel are required to work; they are the only employees who should report to work. Grounds, Housekeeping and Switchboard personnel, and all Building Maintenance Mechanics are considered emergency personnel. (The main purpose of this is to keep employees and vehicles off and away from any and all public access routes within the emergency area, especially in the event of snow clearance.)

   If such emergency is declared with at least two hours notice prior to the start of a work shift, employees must make up the time or use accrued benefit time (see #’s 5 and 6).

3. If such emergency is declared during the work day, employees dismissed will be sent home and paid the balance of the work shift.

4. Emergency personnel who are required to stay on duty during the emergency period shall receive normal compensation.

5. Employees who lose time as a result of a State of Emergency declaration may make up the time in that week and in the succeeding three weeks in accordance with Section 206 of County Law, provided that customary work within title is available. Employees who have used either sick time or prescheduled benefit time may not make up the time.

6. Employees who lose time as a result of a State of Emergency declaration may elect to use accrued vacation, personal or compensatory time.