Chapter 2.100
SERVICE AWARD RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR EMPLOYEES
Sections:
2.100.030 “Suggestion” award program.
2.100.040 Employee recognition program.
2.100.010 Purpose.
It is the purpose of this section to establish procedures and guidelines under which city funds can be utilized for the purpose of employee recognition. (Ord. 1597-07 § 1, 2007)
2.100.020 Scope.
All employees, elected officials, volunteer firefighters and senior crime watch volunteers are eligible to be included in the program. Seasonal employees are not eligible to be included in the program. (Ord. 1597-07 § 2, 2007)
2.100.030 “Suggestion” award program.
The city establishes a program of awards to stimulate and reward suggestions of city employees which are of benefit to the city. Participation therein shall be limited to non-department head employees unless specifically provided otherwise. The following award is established:
(1) “Suggestion” Award.
(a) To be eligible for a monetary award, a suggestion must make possible an elimination or reduction of city expenditures without substantially impairing an existing city service.
(b) Employees shall not be eligible for an award for suggestions pertaining to subjects assigned for research or development or for problems assigned for solution for which such employee would normally be expected to offer in the line of duty.
(c) The suggestion must propose a change which was not under active consideration by the city department affected at the time the suggestion was made.
(d) If duplicate suggestions are submitted, only the first received shall be eligible for an award.
(e) A suggestion which has been put into effect by the city department concerned must be submitted for award consideration within sixty days of its adoption; provided, that this requirement may be waived by the city council upon recommendation by the city administrator.
(f) Each employee submitting a suggestion shall execute the following agreement:
In consideration of my participation in the suggestion award program, I hereby agree that the use by the City of Sedro-Woolley of my suggestion concerning (fill in blank with description of suggestion) shall not be the basis of a claim of any nature against the City of Sedro-Woolley by me, my heirs, executors or assigns.
(g) The total amount of a money award shall be ten percent of the net first year savings (as determined by the finance director); provided, that the maximum amount of such money award shall be five hundred dollars.
(h) Appropriate commendation of an employee whose adopted suggestion does not merit a money award may be approved by the mayor or city administrator.
(i) Submitting employees may request that suggestions be kept confidential until date award is paid to employee.
Administration of the “Suggestion” award program:
(1) A suggestion award board shall be created. The board shall be composed of the mayor, city administrator and one of their designees.
(2) The suggestion award board shall issue administrative rules/procedures for the administration of this awards program and further defining the eligibility and criteria for the awards program, not inconsistent with the requirements set forth herein. (Ord. 1990-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1597-07 § 3, 2007)
2.100.040 Employee recognition program.
The city hereby establishes a program of employee recognition to promote good will, foster a sense of pride in affiliation with the city, promote safety, productivity, reliability, efficiency, dedication, and commitment to the community. Subject to budgetary authority, the mayor or city administrator may authorize the expenditure of funds for the purpose of employee recognition as follows:
A. Service award schedule will be listed in the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council.
B. Token appreciation awards not to exceed the amount listed in the master fee schedule adopted by resolution of the city council per award.
C. Meals related to an employee recognition event in an amount that does not exceed the per employee cost of meals covered under the city’s expense reimbursement policy. (Ord. 2013-22 § 5, 2022; Ord. 1990-21 § 1, 2021; Ord. 1597-07 § 4, 2007)
2.100.050 Implementation.
During the first full year of the program, all eligible participants will receive a “catch-up provision.” Employees with one to four years of service will receive the one-year recognition item; employees with five to nine years of service will receive the five-year recognition item; employees with ten to nineteen years of service will receive the ten-year recognition item, and employees with twenty or more years of service will receive the twenty-year recognition item. In future years, employees will receive service awards only for their specific anniversary date. (Ord. 1597-07 § 5, 2007)