2.32.240 Training.
It is the policy of the Borough to encourage employees to avail themselves of training/education opportunities directly applicable to their Borough position in order that employees may render more effective service to the public.
A. All requests for training or additional education shall be made in advance and must include curriculums, itineraries, agendas or other available materials, be accompanied by a detailed cost breakdown, and shall be directed to the Borough Mayor or Chief of Staff. In order to receive consideration, all such requests should clearly identify how the proposed training/education will benefit the Borough and enhance the employee’s credentials in performing current functions.
B. Approval of such training/educational assistance shall be contingent upon current budgetary funding, and operational requirements of the department. The department director shall recommend approval or denial to the Mayor or Chief of Staff.
C. Education Opportunities (College Courses/Higher Education).
1. After approval, and upon presentation of documentation showing satisfactory completion of the course (C or higher, pass if grading is pass/fail), employees will be reimbursed for tuition, required text materials, and academic mandatory fees, unless prepayment is specifically approved in writing by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.
2. Employees who are attending and completing college coursework will be in an unpaid or approved leave status while absent from the job, unless paid release time is specifically approved in writing by the Mayor or Chief of Staff. Flex time or an alternate work schedule may be authorized, per established protocols.
D. Training Opportunities (Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.). Approval for training opportunities (conferences, seminars, workshops, etc.) shall be authorized and processed on a travel authorization form, if travel is required, or by purchase order for local offerings. Employees authorized and approved to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., shall be considered in work status, and paid accordingly.
E. Employees who resign prior to completing one year of service after receiving educational/training reimbursement shall be required to pay back the Borough for such prior reimbursement, on a pro-rated basis, unless such payback is waived in writing by the Mayor or Chief of Staff. The amount will be reduced by 1/12th for each month of employment from the completion of the college course, conference, seminar or workshop date to the date of termination. Such payback shall be deducted from the employee’s final pay or shall be paid directly to the Borough if adequate funds are not available. (Ord. 2013-46 § 2, 2013; Ord. 2003-58 § 10, 2003; Ord. 84-102 § 2, 1985. 2004 Code § 2.24.231.)