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~ City of Eugene <br /> <br /> ~ Human Resource and Risk Services Policies <br /> to City staff. These offers may come from a member of the public or a business. For <br /> instance a local business may offer a discount on merchandise to City staff or a vendor <br /> may offer free tickets to a sporting event. Acceptance of a cash gift by any individual <br /> employee is strictly prohibited. Generally, state law prohibits public employees from <br /> using their positions to obtain financial benefits (see also City Administrative Order <br /> 44-91-07, Establishing Rules and Procedures Regarding Gifts To Employees and ORS <br /> 244.040(2)). This would include most gifts, donations, discounts or other financial <br /> benefits. There maybe certain situations, however, where it is acceptable to receive them. <br /> Those situations must meet all of the following criteria: <br /> ? The benefit must be available to a group of staff, not just an individual. <br /> ? The benefit must be available to all "like" groups, not just the City of Eugene. <br /> ? The benefit must not be from a vendor to the employee(s) involved in managing <br /> the vendor contract. <br /> ? Acceptance of the gift or discount must be approved by a Division Manager or <br /> department Executive Manager. <br /> For example, a local fitness club may offer discounts to all employers in the. community. <br /> In this case the City staff would be receiving a benefit that is available to other <br /> organizations as well so it is acceptable. Another acceptable example is that several <br /> credit unions allow City employees to be members by virtue of their employment at the <br /> City. An example that would not be acceptable is a business offering a gift to an <br /> employee(s) as a reward for service anticipated or already rendered, however exceptional <br /> the service maybe. As another example, an employee having a business lunch with a <br /> vendor or contractor should pay for his/her own meal. Accepting a cash gift is <br /> unacceptable. <br /> An important part of the relationship that the City organization has with the public is <br /> based on both the reality and perception of fairness and honesty. All staff have the <br /> responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the public <br /> trust. Staff should be aware that there is a greater "perception" problem with procurement <br /> and regulatory staff such as building inspectors, police officers or purchasing agents. <br /> These employees must use extra caution not to be perceived as receiving benefits from <br /> those that they regulate. <br /> 3-217.2 Sponsorships and Donations to City Programs <br /> Human Resource and Risk Services Revised: 09/16/02 <br /> <br />