Chapter 14, Article IV, Section 254 (a) of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances authorizes pay differential for employees called to active duty status as full time members of military forces during time of war or state of emergency. Section 256 limits the initial authorization to a period of 90 calendar days from the date the employee is called to active duty.
The events of September 11, 2001 began the 90-day period. Council has approved subsequent extensions. Several employees were activated shortly thereafter, and many have since been activated. Currently approximately 22 City of Houston employees have received military orders and are on active duty. The current 730-day period expires October 24, 2017.
It is not expected that the national state of emergency will be resolved within forthcoming 730-day period. To avoid undue disruption to the economic circumstances of these City employees who continue on military leave, the Human Resources Department recommends that City Council authorize a 730 calendar day (two year) period during which City employees on authorized military leave may be compensated at the same rate and on the same terms as specified in Chapter 14, Article IV, Section 254 et seq. In the event that the state of the emergency or war ends prior to the expiration of these extensions, then this order will be rescinded.