SAN ANTONIO -- As San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Commission mulls over how to crank out a sick leave ordinance that satisfies stakeholders across the city, many small businesses fear that, if the paid sick leave ordinance takes effect, staffing cuts, reduction of workers’ hours, or slashing of current benefits could be inevitable.

• Business owner speaks on difficulties if ordinance passes
• Employee discusses cons of not having sick pay

Lisa Fullerton is the small business owner of the popular Auntie Anne’s, known for its fancy pretzels.

“We’re certainly not against benefits. Not just the mandated benefits,” said Fullerton, “So we’re looking internally to see what we might have to replace.”

The businesswoman also serves on the Paid Sick Leave Commission.

READ MORE | San Antonio’s Paid Sick Leave Ordinance Delayed

Fullerton raises questions business people ask as they try and make business sense of the ordinance on hold.

“Two questions you ask yourself is, ‘do I raise my prices or do I eliminate some of the benefits I currently have?’”

Fullerton employs 70-80 people when fully staffed. One of her employees took time to share her story of struggle when it comes to getting sick on the job.

“If I am off just one day,” said Mary Vega, “I’ll switch shifts with a person to get hours. But say, I’m out two or three days, you can’t really catch up on that.”

By “catch up”, she means making up lost hours to receive a full pay check.

The 26-year-old is a full-time employee, enjoys access to profit-sharing and qualifies for the 401k her employer offers.

But when Vega is not well enough to go to work, she doesn't have the benefit of earned paid sick leave.

READ MORE | Paid Sick Leave Commission Tasked to Revamp Ordinance

That places Fullerton in a tough situation.

As businesswoman and public servant, she goes back and forth between the bottom line and trying to make a difference for the estimated 350,000 people citywide currently without paid sick leave.

"We may have to remove some of the benefits that we currently offer to make room for paid sick leave," Fullerton said.

The commission has about 45 days to tweak the ordinance, then it's up to the city council to approve the measure.

For Vega, paid sick leave is a perk she says she would appreciate.

"I think it would be awesome."