(A) For the purpose of promoting economic development/ tourism and employee well-beings the Common Council may, pursuant to the requirements of law, appropriate money from the General Fund of the city, to pay the expenses of, or to reimburse city officials for expenses incurred in, promoting the best interests of the city. Expenses may include/ but not be limited to, rental of meeting places, meals, travel, decorations, memorabilia, awards, incentives, holiday or special event gatherings, interviewing job applicants, promoting industrial, commercial and residential development and tourism, developing relations with other units of government and any other expenses of a civil or governmental nature deemed by the Council to be in the interest of the city. It shall also include expenses for membership dues, assessments, travel, conference registrations, and other assistance in local, regional, state and national associations of a civic, educational or governmental nature which have as their purposes the betterment and improvement of municipal operations. Believing that improving the health of employees is deemed in the best interest of the city and serves a public purpose, the above allowable expenses may include expenses related to employee participation in health and wellness-related programs that have been established by the city.
(B) These type expenses may also be paid from the funds of any city-owned utility and the Municipal Events Fund (§ 34.35), and shall be approved by the Mayor and the Board of Public Works and Safety as deemed reasonable and appropriate to be in the best interest of the city.
(C) Expenses related to the city's Employee Wellness Program, including, but not limited to, awards, incentives, meetings and educational seminars, may be paid from the City Health Insurance Fund, as approved by the Mayor and the Board of Public Works and Safety as being reasonable and appropriate in the best interest of the city.
(Ord. 24-2013, passed 11-12-2013)
Statutory reference:
Authority of city to promote economic development and tourism, see I.C. 36-7-2-7;
Authority to exercise home rule powers, see I.C. 36-1-3;
Specific statutory authority to employ and compensate employees and enter into contracts, see I.C. 36-1-4-2,14,15 and 7.