FILLMORE : City Adopts New Policy to Protect Disabled Employees

The city of Fillmore adopted a policy this week that prohibits discrimination against disabled employees and sets up a procedure for complaints.

The policy, which mandates that work places be modified to make them accessible to disabled employees, satisfies requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

“It was prudent to have taken the action so we have evidence we’re conforming with the law,” said Allan Coates, assistant city manager and finance director. “We now have guidelines on record we can implement when needed.”

The guidelines establish a procedure for investigating and resolving complaints against City Hall and initiating changes, such as wheelchair-accessible restrooms and work stations.

City Manager Roy Payne said the policy would not create any immediate expense for the city, as the city has no disabled employees at the present time. But modest costs are expected for future building modifications when they are necessary.

The Fillmore Disability Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure passed by the City Council Tuesday night pertains only to city employees and buildings.

Coates said it is the responsibility of state and federal agencies to enforce the act requirements for all other employers.

The federal law, which went into effect last July, is binding to all employers with 25 or more workers. Employers with 15 or more employees are required to enact policies against discrimination to conform with the law after July 26, 1994.