A. 
Merit and appointed employees are eligible for paid emergency leave in accordance with the terms of this Article XVII.
B. 
The Mayor may grant paid leave to Town employees when natural causes such as floods, snow, and other unforeseen events occur which prevent employees from reaching their place of work. Such leave may also be granted to protect the safety and welfare of employees when the above conditions occur during the course of the normal work day. Some employees may be designated as essential and required to report for duty. The Mayor's power to grant paid leave shall be exercised at the Mayor's absolute and sole discretion.
When emergency conditions prevail:
A. 
Late arrival of one hour or less will not be penalized by any loss of wages nor assessed leave.
B. 
Those employees scheduled to work who request leave due to emergency conditions or who are on previously approved paid leave will be considered on personal leave, unless the Mayor declares emergency leave.
C. 
When the emergency warrants, the Mayor may declare emergency leave and announce this to department heads. In this case, employees will not be assessed leave.