HomeMy WebLinkAbout20-134 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2020/09/21Resolution No. 20-134
Resolution establishing
2020 Interim Childcare/Tutoring Reimbursement Policy
Whereas, the city council has established policies and benefits in accordance with local,
state and federal guidelines; and
Whereas, the city council wishes to establish benefits for staff who may have difficulty
completing work duties due to parenting or caregiver responsibilities due to school or daycare
closures as a result of the global pandemic COVID-19; and
Whereas, the city council has determined that the benefit described below is a public
purpose expenditure;
Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that the
following interim benefit be approved effective September 22, 2020. The parameters of the
program may be modified or ended by the city manager at any time.
2020 Interim Childcare/Tutoring Reimbursement Policy
The city supports employees who need to balance their work duties with parenting or
caregiving responsibilities during COVID-19 related distance learning or daycare closures. Staff
who choose to hire childcare providers or tutors to assist with distance learning or other
COVID-19 related issues may receive support through this childcare/tutoring reimbursement
policy. Regular full and part-time employees who are non-exempt and have been employed for
at least 30 calendar days with the city may be eligible for reimbursement of childcare/tutoring
expenses.
Employees may be eligible for reimbursement of 100% up to $1,000 maximum in for the cost of
COVID-19 related tutoring or childcare expenses. If the employee is receiving another source of
funding, such as a grant/scholarship or utilizing tax-deferred dependent care flexible spending
accounts, they shall not be eligible for reimbursement on the amount funded by other sources.
The city manager makes all final decisions regarding the reimbursement program and approval
or denial of requests. Requests for funding will be pre-approved only if budget dollars are
available as part of the tuition reimbursement program.
This program will begin upon approval by city council and will continue unless otherwise
determined due to financial or other considerations and may be modified or ended at any time
at the discretion of the city manager.
In order for childcare/tutoring expenses to qualify for reimbursement, the following conditions
must be met:
The expenses must be incurred due to a school or daycare closure due to COVID-19.
Employees who have the option of sending children to in -person school or daycare
but choose to do distance learning or keep children home are not eligible for
reimbursement in this program.
The expenses cannot be incurred for childcare or tutoring provided by an immediate
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family member (e.g. grandparent or older sibling).
Expense reimbursement is capped at $10 per hour and $1,000 maximum per
calendar year. Annual maximum calculated based on date reimbursement request is
received in human resources.
The expenses incurred must make the employee more available or able to complete
work duties and assignments.
The expenses must be pre-approved by human resources.
Employees must provide documentation of the expenditure and proof of school or daycare
closure. All requests for reimbursement must be submitted within 30 calendar days of incurred
date to be eligible for reimbursement. Forms are available in Human Resources.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council Sept. 21, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
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