§ 16-210. Tuition assistance program.

(a)

There is hereby established a Tuition Assistance Program for the purpose of providing tuition reimbursement to full- and part-time permanent merit and exempt status employees upon their successful completion of college-level courses attended at accredited institutions and related to the nature of such employee's duties, tasks, and responsibilities. The Tuition Assistance Program is designed to facilitate employee career development and upward mobility in the interests of quality public service and is subject to funding availability in the Tuition Assistance Fund pursuant to Subtitle 10, Division 24. The Tuition Assistance Program will be administered in accordance with established personnel procedures and will provide for the establishment of an oversight committee, development of criteria for participation and approval, and is subject to the provisions of the Tuition Assistance Fund pursuant to Subtitle 10, Division 24.

(b)

Full-time employees may receive up to Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000) each per fiscal year and part-time employees may receive up to One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500) each per fiscal year for tuition assistance.

(c)

A participating employee in the Tuition Assistance Program shall have worked for the County for at least one (1) year, has had no disciplinary action against them within the last year of employment with the County, and has a minimum performance evaluation of Satisfactory.

(d)

All employees who receive such tuition assistance shall remain in the County Government employment for at least two (2) years from the date of conclusion of said education program. All employees seeking tuition assistance shall successfully complete the educational course(s) in its entirety.

(e)

In the event the employee who receives such tuition assistance does not comply with the requirements of Subsection (d), said employee shall refund all disbursed monies to the County unless the requirements are waived by the Director of Human Resources Management.

(CB-1-1976; CB-22-2000; CB-57-2014)