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Supervisors adopt gift policy
By Joe Benedict/MVM News Network
FORT MADISON - Last week the Lee County Board of Supervisors discussed how gift cards are becoming more prevalent with purchases of major items. The board on Tuesday passed a policy for its employees concerning accepting gifts.
The policy spells out who employees cannot receive gifts from, including a person or entity that is seeking sales, purchases, lease or contracts to or from the county; will be directly and substantially affected financially by the performance of the official's or employee's official duty in a way that is greater than the effect on the general public; or is a lobbyist or a client of a lobbyist with respect to matters in the district's jurisdiction.
The policy defines a gift as anything of value in return for which something of equal or greater value is not given or received. However, there are exceptions to the policy.
Some of these include campaign contributions; gifts from family; an inheritance; things available free to the public; expenses for food, beverages, registration, travel and lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the official or employee has participation or presentation responsibilities; plaques with little resale value; nonmonetary items with a value of $3 or less; funeral flowers;; wedding and 25th and 50th anniversary gifts; plus several more.
Accepting meals, drinks, travel expenses and lodging also is acceptable for officials who are in a delegation to attract a specific new business to the state, encourage expansion or retention of a business or to develop markets for Iowa products and businesses.
Food and drinks consumed during a meeting with a business are not a gift.
The gift discussion began after the county received a $300 gas card after the purchase of a lawnmower. The county maintenance department simply used the card to buy gas for the mower. The supervisors said that was acceptable, but felt like something should be in writing.
The new policy names the supervisors as the body which will receive gifts to the county and the gifts will be used for the general welfare of the county, consistent with the law. Individuals or organizations are encouraged to contact the supervisors if giving a gift.
The supervisors will consider the county's needs, the costs involved of accepting a gift and the desirability, quality and compatibility of the gift, including whether it will require construction, installation or maintenance.
For each gift, a report will be filled out and submitted to the board.
The policy spells out who employees cannot receive gifts from, including a person or entity that is seeking sales, purchases, lease or contracts to or from the county; will be directly and substantially affected financially by the performance of the official's or employee's official duty in a way that is greater than the effect on the general public; or is a lobbyist or a client of a lobbyist with respect to matters in the district's jurisdiction.
The policy defines a gift as anything of value in return for which something of equal or greater value is not given or received. However, there are exceptions to the policy.
Some of these include campaign contributions; gifts from family; an inheritance; things available free to the public; expenses for food, beverages, registration, travel and lodging for a meeting, which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting when the expenses relate directly to the day or days on which the official or employee has participation or presentation responsibilities; plaques with little resale value; nonmonetary items with a value of $3 or less; funeral flowers;; wedding and 25th and 50th anniversary gifts; plus several more.
Accepting meals, drinks, travel expenses and lodging also is acceptable for officials who are in a delegation to attract a specific new business to the state, encourage expansion or retention of a business or to develop markets for Iowa products and businesses.
Food and drinks consumed during a meeting with a business are not a gift.
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The new policy names the supervisors as the body which will receive gifts to the county and the gifts will be used for the general welfare of the county, consistent with the law. Individuals or organizations are encouraged to contact the supervisors if giving a gift.
The supervisors will consider the county's needs, the costs involved of accepting a gift and the desirability, quality and compatibility of the gift, including whether it will require construction, installation or maintenance.
For each gift, a report will be filled out and submitted to the board.
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