City Council:
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A UNIFORM WORKERS’
COMPENSATION REPORTING AND CLAIMS PROCESS
FOR THE CITY OF MOUNT VERNON (REF. COMP2026-05)
Whereas, in correspondence dated April 15, 2026, the Comptroller formally requested authorization to establish a uniform, centralized, and standardized process for the reporting, filing, review, and administration of workers’ compensation claims within the City of Mount Vernon in order to ensure timely reporting, regulatory compliance, fiscal accountability, and consistent treatment of all claims; and
Whereas, pursuant to Section 91 of the Mount Vernon City Charter, the City Comptroller is entrusted with the supervision of the City’s financial affairs and is authorized to establish rules, regulations, and general practices for organizing and regulating fiscal operations, including defining financial responsibilities and administrative procedures for City personnel; and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon is committed to the efficient, transparent, and accountable administration of public funds and employee benefit programs, including workers’ compensation; and
Whereas, the City recognizes the importance of establishing clear, consistent, and standardized procedures for the reporting, processing, and management of workers’ compensation claims to ensure timely handling and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements; and
Whereas, the absence of a centralized and uniform process may result in inefficiencies, delayed reporting, increased costs, and administrative inconsistencies across City departments; and
Whereas, the City seeks to improve oversight and coordination of workers’ compensation matters through centralized administration under the Employee Benefits Office and the Department of Human Resources; and
Whereas, the Comptroller has recommended the adoption of a formal Workers’ Compensation Reporting and Claims Process to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and promote fiscal accountability; and
Whereas, the City Council finds it to be in the best interest of the City of Mount Vernon to adopt such standardized procedures.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Mount Vernon as follows:
Section 1. Title. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “City of Mount Vernon Workers’ Compensation Reporting and Claims Process Ordinance.”
Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to establish a uniform, centralized, and standardized process for the reporting, filing, review, and administration of workers’ compensation claims within the City of Mount Vernon in order to ensure timely reporting, regulatory compliance, fiscal accountability, and consistent treatment of all claims.
Section 3. Adoption of Policy.
A. The City of Mount Vernon hereby adopts the Workers’ Compensation Reporting and Claims Process, as recommended by the Office of the Comptroller and administered through the Department of Human Resources and Employee Benefits Office.
B. The adopted process shall govern all City departments, agencies, boards, and employees unless otherwise required by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Section 4. Reporting Requirements.
A. All City employees shall report any work-related injury or illness immediately, or as soon as practicable, to their direct supervisor.
B. Supervisors shall be required to document and report such incidents to the Department of Human Resources and the Employee Benefits Office within the timeframe established in the adopted policy.
C. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in administrative review consistent with applicable personnel policies and collective bargaining agreements.
Section 5. Claims Administration and Processing.
A. All workers’ compensation claims shall be centrally managed by the Department of Human Resources in coordination with the Employee Benefits Office.
B. The Employee Benefits Office shall be responsible for:
1. Reviewing and processing initial injury reports;
2. Coordinating with the City’s workers’ compensation carrier;
3. Monitoring claim status and documentation;
4. Ensuring compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
C. The Comptroller’s Office shall maintain oversight of financial reporting and cost monitoring related to workers’ compensation claims.
Section 6. Departmental Responsibilities. All City departments shall cooperate fully with the reporting and claims process, including but not limited to:
A. Immediate notification of incidents;
B. Submission of required documentation;
C. Participation in investigations as necessary;
D. Compliance with directives issued by Human Resources and the Employee Benefits Office.
Section 7. Compliance with Laws and Agreements. This Ordinance shall be implemented in a manner consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, City policies, and collective bargaining agreements. In the event of a conflict, applicable law or collective bargaining agreement shall govern.
Section 8. Administration and Implementation. The Department of Human Resources, in coordination with the Employee Benefits Office and the Office of the Comptroller, is hereby authorized to develop and implement any forms, procedures, training materials, and administrative guidelines necessary to effectuate this Ordinance.
Section 9. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 10. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.