4.4 ERMUSR 04-10-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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C. Appropriate safety and health programs for ERMUEIk River Municipal Utilities employees serve a public purpose because they result in healthier and more productive employees and reduce certain costs to ERMU customersthe rate payers of Elk River, including various costs associated with workers compensation and disability benefit claims, insurance premiums, and lost time from employee absences. D. Public expenditures for appropriate Employee recognition and achievement awards for ERMUEIk River Municipal Utilities employees are appropriate public expenditures and serve a—public purpose because formally recognizing employees who make significant contributions and demonstrate their commitment during the performance of their duties results in higher morale and productivity among all ERMUEIk River Municipal Utilities employees, and therefore helps ERMUthe Utility to fulfill its responsibilities efficiently and more cost effectively. E. Public expenditures for food and refreshments associated with official ERMUEIk River Municipal Utilities functions and meetings serve a public purpose when the provision of food or refreshments is an integral part of an official ERMUEIk River Municipal Utilities function, or the meeting or event occurs over a meal time and the provision of food or refreshment is reasonably necessary to promote timely attendance and ensure meaningful participation by the participants. F. Public expenditures for appropriate community and customer outreach and similar activities serve a public purpose when those expenditures are necessary for ERMUEIk River to ensure the efficient operation of its programs/services, promote the availability and use of ERMUUtility resources, and promote coordinated, cooperative planning activities among and between the public and the private sectors. 3.0 Specific Programs and Expenditures Every ERMU- ': - - ' ' •- expenditure;must be valid based upon the public purpose for which it is expended. These line-items are approved annually by the ERMUUtility Commission as a-part of the overall budget approval process. The following items are deemed to meet the ERMUUtility Commission's definition of public purpose expenditures A. Meetings: Food/Meals/Refreshments ERMUThe Elk River Municipal Utilities recognizes that situations in which ERMU Utility business needs to be discussed can and do occur during meal hours (i.e. luncheon meetings). In addition, there are public and employee meetings and events in which reasonable refreshments may add to the success of the meeting and/or event and create a more productive workforce. Meals are allowed at training or meetings only when they are part of a meeting or training involving official ERMUlitility business, and are reasonably necessary or productive to conduct the meeting over those meal periods. and when it is the only practical time to meet. The following items are deemed to meet the ERMUUtility Commission's definition of public purpose expenditures in regards to food/meals/refreshments. 2 141