The New Bern Board of Alderman has granted a personal leave day to employees in recognition of Juneteenth.
It’ll serve as floating holiday for employees to take off anytime throughout the year, as opposed to a fixed holiday.
Juneteenth has been recognized by the State of North Carolina since 2007 but is currently not a paid state holiday. In 2021, Juneteenth became a paid federal holiday, and last year Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order granting cabinet agency employees a day of personal leave.
Currently 50 municipalities recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday. It’s the third year the group Juneteenth of New Bern proposed recognizing Juneteenth as a paid city holiday.
The resolution passed 6-1, with Mayor Jeffrey Odham as the only no vote.
