10/10/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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County administrative policy AM -604.1, SOLICITATION AND DISTRIBUTION, generally prohibits solicitation and requires Board of County Commission authorization of general fund drives. The only agency currently authorized to solicit from employees is the United Way of Indian River County. Also, posters are placed in county work areas for activities which are a part of county government, such as a Veterans Service golf tournament to finance programs for local veterans. There are requests every week from those wishing t6 solicit from or distribute material to employees during their working hours. So%6 are extremely worthwhile. They range from charitable organizations to commercial activities. The County response to the requests -h -as been consistent with the policy. The Board of County Commissioners is asked to reconfirm the -current policy and practice relative to solicitation and distribution, or to direct staff to revise them. RECOMMENDATION: Continue the present practice. However worthwhile causes may be, determining which will have access to County employees and which will not would be difficult. There is also the question of how much paid work time should be provided for solicitation. The current practice endorses the "one solicitation" concept for community giving and the United Way does that most effectively. Personnel Director Jack Price advised that representatives from "Twogether for Life" representing the American Cancer Society/American Heart Association are here to answer any questions, as well as representatives from United Way. Administrator Chandler advised that the policy has been that United Way is the only entity currently allowed to do presentations and use payroll deductions from County employees. The major concern is that there are a -lot of worthwhile organizations who request the privilege and the number of solicitations per year must be limited. If you permit one, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to make a determination. Chairman Macht felt that the existing policy is sound; however, there is a distinction for this group in the fact that they represent the #1 and #2 killers in the United States by a large margin. R. J. MacMillan, a Twogether For Life Volunteer, felt that they offer an advantageous program for County employees' health and they can also take advantage of payroll deductions and tax credits for their donations. United Way is a great organization and they feel that because United Way only serves the local area, contributions to Twogether for Life -have never hurt United Way contributions. In other areas, United Way donations have increased when Twogether for Life has also been allowed to present their cause. Commissioner Adams felt it is a worthwhile effort and emphasized that she contributes to both organizations. However, she felt that one of the main reasons the County has accepted United Way is that it is a local project, with very little money leaving the county. It also gives employees an opportunity to see Born 96 i'A,.(;E 303 OCTOBER 10, 1995 19