§ 2-24. Expenditure of public funds to increase employee productivity and promote good will.

(a)

Findings of fact.

(1)

The Board of County Commissioners of Marion County, Florida hereby finds that the expenditure of public funds in compliance with the requirements of this section serves a valid public purpose, and that the requirements set forth herein provide controls to guard against abuse and assure accountability to the taxpayers and the public.

(2)

The board finds that revenues generated from concessions and vending machines located on county property, special events conducted by employees, similar sources of revenue, voluntary donations and contributions from individuals and business to benefit or implement the stated purposes, or other sources of revenues subsequently designated by the board, are the most appropriate sources of revenues to carry out the purposes of this section.

(b)

Purpose. It shall be the purpose of this section to:

(1)

Enhance county employee productivity and safety;

(2)

Promote and engender goodwill toward the county within the community and the state;

(3)

Encourage increased employee responsiveness to the needs and requests of the citizens and residents of Marion County;

(4)

Encourage individuals and community service groups to volunteer services which benefit the citizens of Marion County, beautify the county or improve the quality of life in Marion County; and

(5)

Provide incentives for the attainment of these goals.

(c)

Expenditure of funds. In order to effectuate the purposes of this section, the following expenditures are hereby authorized:

(1)

Presentation of awards, including but not limited to, framed plaques or certificates, pins, trophies, mementos or other suitable tokens of recognition.

(2)

Refreshments such as coffee, doughnuts, pastries, soft drinks or other light snacks served to employees, volunteers and guests at county sponsored or business-related functions, meetings or training programs.

(3)

Ceremonies or other events honoring or benefiting county employees or county volunteers, including receptions, luncheons, picnics or banquets.

(4)

Employee appreciation picnics, dinners, buffets, banquets and luncheons, or events that promote and engender goodwill toward the county. Payments for such approved functions may include the costs of catering, meeting rooms or facilities, meal utensils and associated items, food and drink, and other normal and reasonable charges and expenses.

(5)

The membership and attendance costs associated with civic, nonprofit community service or professional associations which serve and promote the general welfare of the citizens of Marion County.

(6)

Employee newsletters, annual reports, publications reporting general public information and progress regarding county government activities, or similar documents, whether in written form or any other format.

(d)

Approval. Any expenditure pursuant to this section shall be preapproved by the county administrator or his/her designee.

(e)

Alcoholic beverages. County funds shall not be expended for alcoholic beverages.

(f)

Applicability. This section shall apply to all county departments, divisions and offices established pursuant to Article VIII, Section 1(d) of the State of Florida Constitution, as well as the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

(g)

Compliance with state law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to relieve any public officer or employee from compliance with the provisions of F.S. Ch. 112.

(Ord. No. 06-04, §§ 1—7, 3-21-2006; Ord. No. 13-31, § 1, 11-5-2013)