(a) All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Incentive Program of the City. Participation is voluntary and available to those who elect job-related self-development activities during non-working hours. All coursework must be taken in accordance with a Planned Program of Professional Improvement approved by the appointing authority in advance.
(b) The allowances for assistance are as follows:
(1) All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the Educational Assistance Incentive Program of the City. Participation is voluntary and available to those who elect job-related self-development activities during non-working hours. All coursework must be taken in accordance with a Planned Program of Professional Improvement approved by the appointing authority in advance.
(2) The allowances for assistance are as follows:
A. The annual allowance for college credit coursework education assistance (per employee) is three thousand dollars ($3,000) per academic year.
B. The annual allowance for non-college credited coursework education assistance (per employee) is one thousand dollars ($1,000) per academic year.
C. Annual textbook reimbursement shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the actual cost of textbooks for college credit coursework and two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for non-college credit coursework during the academic year.
D. All coursework must be preapproved before commencement of the course.
(c) To qualify for assistance, plan participants shall satisfactorily complete the course(s) with a grade of C or better, or pass a pass/fail course. Reimbursement shall be made upon submission of official transcripts, tuition statements, and receipts for textbooks.
(d) An employee who has received educational assistance must remain an employee for one year following completion of the courses for which assistance was received. Should an employee separate from service with the City within the one year period, except in the event of a disability retirement, that employee must repay any assistance received in the one year period.
(Ord. 91-07. Passed 11-26-07; Ord. 125-18. Passed 12-17-18.)