Salina Animal Shelter employees will not have to start over as new employees when they officially become City of Salina employees on January 1st.

As part of the health department becoming a county agency, the animal shelter is becoming a city agency. Previously, both agencies were city – county shared.

City commissioners Monday voted an exception for the employees. Though animal shelter employees will begin with a six month probationary period, they will not lose benefits that include sick leave or vacation leave.

As part of becoming a county agency, the health department employees will not be able to retain sick or vacation leave, and are instead starting as new county employees.

Salina City Commissioner Jon Blanchard added at the meeting he hoped that maybe the county would still reconsider their decision. “There is still a little time before the end of the year” he said.

In unanimous approval, city commissioners agreed Monday that letting the animal shelter employees retain their vacation and sick leave benefits was consistent with city values.