AGENDA DATE: 5/20/2026
TITLE:
Personnel Policy Amendment - §P-40 Tuition Reimbursement Program
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Consider adoption of revisions to the County’s Tuition Reimbursement Program policy, formerly titled Course Reimbursement, to modernize the program, ensure consistent administration, and better align with workforce development needs and responsible use of public resources.
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Herrick, Ruege, Shifflett, Rice
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: As part of the County’s broader effort to review and modernize personnel policies following the establishment of a centralized Human Resources Department, staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the existing Course Reimbursement policy, §P-40. The current policy has not been substantively updated since 2013 and reflects a decentralized model that is no longer aligned with current benefit programs and administrative best practices.
County Code § 2-901 requires that personnel policies and amendments be adopted by the Board of Supervisors.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Workforce & Customer Service - Recruit & retain engaged public servants who provide quality government services to advance our mission.
DISCUSSION: The proposed revisions represent a comprehensive restructuring of the Course Reimbursement policy with the following key themes:
Title Change:
The policy title has been changed from “Course Reimbursement- Classified Employees” to “Tuition Reimbursement Program” to reflect the broader scope of application beyond college courses.
Modernization and Clarification:
The policy has been fully updated with a rewritten purpose statement, clear definitions, and structured roles and responsibilities to improve clarity, transparency, and usability.
Centralized Administration:
Program oversight, approval authority, and funding have been centralized within Human Resources to ensure consistency, equity, and improved fiscal management.
Expanded Eligibility and Flexibility:
The program now supports a broader range of educational opportunities, including degree programs, certifications, skilled trades training, and High School Equivalency, aligning with diverse workforce needs.
Alignment with Organizational Needs:
Eligibility criteria now require a clear connection to an employee’s current role, career path, or identified workforce needs, ensuring investments support organizational priorities.
Fiscal Stewardship and Accountability:
The policy introduces clearer parameters around eligible expenses, funding limits, outside financial assistance, and repayment obligations to protect public resources.
Standardized Processes and Expectations:
New requirements for pre-approval, documentation, and successful course completion establish consistent expectations for participation and reimbursement.
Equity and Consistency:
Removal of department-level discretion reduces variability in program access and application, ensuring fair and uniform treatment of employees across the organization. The revised policy reflects contemporary public sector best practices, supports organizational workforce needs, ensures equitable and consistent program administration, and ensures appropriate financial oversight through a programmatic lens.
BUDGET IMPACT: The Tuition Reimbursement Program remains subject to annual budget appropriations and established funding limits. The proposed revisions do not create a direct budget increase but strengthen controls and predictability in program expenditures.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the resolution (Attachment B), approving the amendment of §P-40 Tuition Reimbursement Program policy to support employee development, enhance workforce readiness, and ensure responsible stewardship of County resources.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Proposed §P-40 Tuition Reimbursement Program Policy
B - Resolution