HomeMy WebLinkAboutMason County Personnel Policy - 6/9/2026 _ ��pN COUNT
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MASON COUNTY
PERSONNEL POLICIES
Revised June 9, 2026 - Resolution No. 2026.019
Table of Contents
Chapter1—Purpose and Scope...............................................................................................................11
1.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................11
1.2 Intent of Policies.....................................................................................................................11
1.3 Scope of Policies.....................................................................................................................11
1.4 Changing These Policies..........................................................................................................11
1.5 Definitions..............................................................................................................................12
Chapter 2—General Policies and Practices............................................................................................ 13
2.1 Employee Personnel Records..................................................................................................13
2.2 Employment Verification ........................................................................................................13
2.3 Employee Badge Policy...........................................................................................................13
2.3.1 Definitions.................................................................................................................................13
2.3.2 Requirements............................................................................................................................14
2.3.3 Procedure..................................................................................................................................14
2.3.4 Identification Holder Responsibilities......................................................................................14
2.4 Minor in the Workplace.....................................................................................................15
Chapter 3—Recruiting and Hiring......................................................................................................... 16
3.1 Recruiting...............................................................................................................................16
3.2 Hiring.....................................................................................................................................16
3.2.1 Screening...................................................................................................................................16
3.2.2 Examinations.............................................................................................................................16
3.2.3 Veteran's Preference.................................................................................................................17
3.2.4 Employee Selection...................................................................................................................17
3.2.4 Applicant Travel ........................................................................................................................17
3.2.5 Moving Expenses.......................................................................................................................17
3.3 Extra-Help Employees.............................................................................................................17
3.4 Employment of Relatives(Nepotism) ......................................................................................18
3.4.1 Change in Circumstances..........................................................................................................18
3.6 Probationary Periods..............................................................................................................19
3.7 Trial Service Periods................................................................................................................19
3.8 Requests for New Positions.....................................................................................................19
3.9 Reclassification.......................................................................................................................19
Chapter 4—Hours and Attendance.........................................................................................................20
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4.1 Attendance.............................................................................................................................20
4.2 Working Hours........................................................................................................................20
4.3 Hours of Work and Overtime ..................................................................................................20
4.3.1 Non-Exempt Employees............................................................................................................20
4.3.2 Exempt Employees....................................................................................................................21
4.4 Compensatory(Comp)Time....................................................................................................22
4.3.1 Comp Time Use..........................................................................................................................22
4.3.2 Maximum Accruals....................................................................................................................22
4.3.3 Comp Time Upon Transfer........................................................................................................22
4.5 Emergency Closures................................................................................................................23
4.5.1 County Office Closure Procedure..............................................................................................23
4.6 Breaks and Mealtime..............................................................................................................24
4.7 Call Back.................................................................................................................................25
4.8 Payroll Records.......................................................................................................................25
Chapter5—Compensation.......................................................................................................................26
5.1 Classification and Grades........................................................................................................26
5.2 Employee Pay Rates................................................................................................................26
5.2.2 Lead Pay.....................................................................................................................................26
5.2.3 Out-of-Class Pay........................................................................................................................26
5.2.4 Transfers, Promotions and Demotions Define.........................................................................27
5.3 Longevity................................................................................................................................27
5.6 Deductions.............................................................................................................................28
5.7 Compensation Upon Separation..............................................................................................28
5.8 Uniform Allowance.................................................................................................................28
Chapter6—Benefits..................................................................................................................................30
6.1 Retirement Benefits................................................................................................................30
6.2 Health Insurance Benefits.......................................................................................................30
7.13 Benefit Eligibility for Part-Time and Extra Help Employees.....................................................30
6.3 Benefit Continuation of Insurance Coverage............................................................................31
6.4 Unemployment Compensation................................................................................................31
6.5 Coordination of Workers' Compensation Benefits ...................................................................31
Chapter7—Leaves....................................................................................................................................34
7.1 Vacation Leave.......................................................................................................................34
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7.2 Sick Leave...............................................................................................................................35
7.2.2 Exempt from Sick Leave Eligibility............................................................................................35
7.2.3 Sick Leave Accrual .....................................................................................................................35
7.2.5 Annual Carryover of Sick Leave Hours.....................................................................................36
7.2.6 Family Member Defined for Sick Leave Usage.........................................................................36
7.2.7 Authorized Use of Sick Leave....................................................................................................36
7.2.9 Rate of Pay When Using Sick Leave..........................................................................................37
7.2.19 Sick Leave Balance...................................................................................................................37
7.2.10 Reasonable Notice and Foreseeable absences for Use of Sick Leave ...................................37
7.2.12 Unforeseeable Absence for Sick Leave Use............................................................................37
7.2.13 Verification for Sick Leave Absences Exceeding Three Days .................................................38
7.2.14 Unreasonable Burden or Expense for Verification ................................................................38
7.2.15 Abusing Sick Leave..................................................................................................................39
7.2.17 Employment Separation and Reinstatement for Sick Leave.................................................39
7.2.16 Sick Leave Cash-Out................................................................................................................39
7.2.20 Retaliation Prohibited.............................................................................................................39
7.2.21 Sick Leave for Domestic Violence or Stalking Victims............................................................40
7.3 Leave without Pay..................................................................................................................41
7.4 Jury and Witness Leave...........................................................................................................41
7.5 Administrative Leave..............................................................................................................42
7.6 Military Leave.........................................................................................................................42
7.8 Bereavement Leave................................................................................................................42
7.7 Family and Medical Leave Act.................................................................................................42
7.7.2 Advance Notice and Medical Certification...............................................................................43
7.7.1 Substitution for Un-Paid Leave.................................................................................................43
7.7.3 Reporting...................................................................................................................................44
7.7.4 Health Insurance during FMLA.................................................................................................44
7.7.5 Other Insurance.........................................................................................................................44
7.7.6 FMLA for Couples Employed.....................................................................................................44
7.9 Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.......................................................................44
7.9.2 Returning from PFML Leave......................................................................................................45
7.9.3 PFML Premiums.........................................................................................................................45
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7.10 Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act"WA Cares"Compliance.....................................45
7.11 Holidays ...............................................................................................................................45
7.12 Holidays for Reasons of Faith or Conscience ..........................................................................46
7.14 Temporary Modified-Duty Assignments ................................................................................46
7.14.1 Fit-for-Duty..............................................................................................................................47
7.14.2 Modified-Duty Requests.........................................................................................................48
7.14.3 Employee Responsibilities......................................................................................................48
7.14.4 Supervisor Responsibilities.....................................................................................................49
7.14.5 Probationary Employees.........................................................................................................49
Chapter 8—Employee Responsibilities and Conduct............................................................................50
8.1 General Code of Conduct........................................................................................................50
8.3 Conflict of Interest..................................................................................................................51
8.4 Outside Employment and Conflicts of Interest.........................................................................51
8.5 Workplace Safety and Violence Prevention .............................................................................52
8.5.1Definitions..................................................................................................................................52
8.5.2 Responsibilities..........................................................................................................................53
8.6 Reporting Improper Governmental Action...............................................................................55
8.6.1 Definitions.................................................................................................................................55
8.6.2 Procedure for Reporting Improper Government Action .........................................................56
8.6.3 Procedure for Seeking Relief Against Retaliation....................................................................57
8.464 Policy Implementation.............................................................................................................57
8.465 Prohibition of Intimidation and Nondisclosure.......................................................................57
8.7 Political Activities...................................................................................................................58
8.8 No Smoking Policy..................................................................................................................58
To protect health and safety,smoking and vaping are prohibited in all County-owned, leased, or
operated areas, including buildings,vehicles, and facilities.These restrictions apply to all public
areas such as hallways, restrooms, lobbies,and any spaces accessed during employment.
"Smoking" includes the use of cigarettes,cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and electronic smoking
devices. "Vaping" includes inhaling vapor from electronic devices such as e-cigarettes and similar
products. "County property" refers to building grounds, parking lots, and parks, but excludes
private vehicles, residences (unless under contract), County roads,and public sidewalks or rights-of-
way. 58
8.9Personal Possessions and Electronic Communications Should...................................................58
8.10 Use of County Equipment......................................................................................................58
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8.11 Bulletin Boards.....................................................................................................................58
8.12 Contact with the News Media...............................................................................................59
8.13 Solicitations..........................................................................................................................59
8.14 Safety...................................................................................................................................59
8.15 Substance Abuse...................................................................................................................59
8.16 Using Position for Personal Gain............................................................................................60
8.17 Performance Evaluations ......................................................................................................60
8.18 Discipline/Corrective Action..................................................................................................61
Chapter9—Separation.............................................................................................................................62
9.1 Layoff.....................................................................................................................................62
9.2 Resignation ............................................................................................................................62
9.3 Retirement.............................................................................................................................62
9.4 Offboa rd i ng............................................................................................................................62
Chapter 10—Complaint Procedures.......................................................................................................63
10.1 Complaint Procedures...........................................................................................................63
Chapter 11—Educational Assistance......................................................................................................64
11.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................64
11.2 Objective..............................................................................................................................64
11.3 Procedures...........................................................................................................................64
Chapter 12—Equal Employment Opportunity......................................................................................66
12.1 Purpose................................................................................................................................66
12.2 Policy ...................................................................................................................................66
12.3 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation .....................................66
12.3.1 Definitions...............................................................................................................................66
12.4 Employment of Persons with Disabilities...............................................................................67
12.5 Employee Responsibilities.....................................................................................................67
12.6 Supervisor/Manager Responsibilities....................................................................................68
12.7 County Responsibilities.........................................................................................................68
12.8 Complaint Procedures...........................................................................................................68
Chapter 13—Vehicle Use Policy..............................................................................................................69
13.1 Vehicle Use and Scope ..........................................................................................................69
13.2 Definitions............................................................................................................................69
13.3 Assignment of County Vehicles to Offices/Departments/County Employees...........................70
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13.4 Qualified Non-Personal Use Vehicles.....................................................................................71
13.5 Emergency Responses...........................................................................................................72
13.6 Special Equipment Vehicles...................................................................................................72
13.7 Economic Benefit to the County............................................................................................72
13.8 Temporary Take-Home Vehicle Assignment...........................................................................73
13.9 Board of County Commissioner Responsibilities.....................................................................73
13.10 Budget Management Responsibilities..................................................................................73
13.11 Department Heads and Elected Officials' Responsibilities.....................................................74
13.13 Employee's Responsibilities.................................................................................................75
13.14 Financial Services—Payroll Responsibilities.........................................................................75
13.15 Drivers License and Insurance Requirements.......................................................................75
13.16 Use of Personal Vehicles for County Business.......................................................................75
13.17 Use of County Vehicles for Personal Business.......................................................................76
13.18 Incidental Travel and Stops .................................................................................................76
13.19 Political Use of County Vehicles...........................................................................................76
13.20 Use of County Vehicles by Other Individuals........................................................................76
13.21 Permitted and Prohibited Uses of County and Personal Vehicles for County Business...........76
13.22 Vehicle Use Agreement(VUA).............................................................................................78
13.23 Driver Disqualification and Review......................................................................................78
13.24 Accidents and Citations.......................................................................................................79
13.25 Commercial Driver License..................................................................................................79
13.26 County Vehicle Related Purchases.......................................................................................79
13.27 ER&R Vehicles Fuel Policies and Fuel Credit Card Uses .........................................................80
13.28 Motor Pool Repairs and Preventative Maintenance.............................................................80
13.29 Motor Pool Fuel Policies and Fuel Credit Card Uses..............................................................80
13.30 Repairs and Preventative Maintenance ...............................................................................80
13.31 General Motor Vehicle Safety..............................................................................................80
13.32 Safety.................................................................................................................................81
Chapter14—Travel..................................................................................................................................82
14.1 Travel Expense Reimbursement ............................................................................................82
14.2 Per Diem (Meal Reimbursement) ..........................................................................................83
14.2.1 Single Day Per Diem................................................................................................................83
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14.2.2 Per Diem While in Overnight Travel Status............................................................................83
14.2.3 Per Diem Three Hour Rule......................................................................................................83
14.3 Advance Travel.....................................................................................................................83
14.4 Special Circumstances...........................................................................................................83
14.5 Lodging.................................................................................................................................84
14.6 Transportation......................................................................................................................84
Chapter 15—Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy................................................................85
15.1 Electronic Information Policy ................................................................................................85
15.2 Definitions............................................................................................................................85
15.3 Roles and Responsibilities.....................................................................................................85
15.4 Equipment and Programs......................................................................................................86
15.4.1 Acquiring Hardware and Software.........................................................................................86
15.4.2 Complying with Copyright and Licensing...............................................................................86
15.4.3 Using Personally Owned Software.........................................................................................86
15.5 E-Mail and Voice Mail (Electronic Communication)................................................................86
15.5.1 Acceptable Use........................................................................................................................86
15.5.2 Prohibited Use.........................................................................................................................86
15.5.3 Encryption................................................................................................................................86
15.6 E-Mail Management .............................................................................................................87
15.6.1 Policy........................................................................................................................................87
15.6.2 Definitions...............................................................................................................................88
15.7 Internet Access.....................................................................................................................88
15.7.1 Acceptable Use........................................................................................................................88
15.7.2 Prohibited Use.........................................................................................................................89
15.8 Generally Prohibited Uses of Information Resources..............................................................89
15.9 Monitoring,Auditing,and Inspection ....................................................................................90
Chapter16—Social Media Policy............................................................................................................91
16.1 Definitions............................................................................................................................91
16.2 Administration of Social Media .............................................................................................92
16.3 Mason County Website.........................................................................................................93
16.4 Social Media Public Records..................................................................................................93
16.5 Users and Visitors of Mason County Social Media..................................................................94
16.6 Blogging Policy......................................................................................................................94
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16.6.1 Procedures...............................................................................................................................95
16.6.2 Author and Commenter Identification...................................................................................96
16.6.3 Ownership and Moderation ...................................................................................................96
16.6.4 Blog Comments and Responses..............................................................................................96
16.7 Facebook Standards Policy....................................................................................................97
16.7.1 Establishing a Page..................................................................................................................97
16.7.2 Content....................................................................................................................................97
16.7.3 Archive.....................................................................................................................................98
16.8 X Standards Policy ................................................................................................................99
16.8.1 Content...............................................................................................................................99
16.8.2 Archive...................................................................................................................................100
Chapter 17—Cellular Telephone Policy............................................................................................... 101
17.1 Definitions..........................................................................................................................101
17.2 County Owned Cellular Phones...........................................................................................101
17.3 Use of Cellular Telephones& Instant Communications.........................................................102
17.4 Personal Use of Cellular Phones ..........................................................................................102
17.5 Use of County owned Cellular Telephones During International Travel.................................102
17.6 Records Retention of Cell Phone Records& Instant Communications...................................103
17.7 Service Billing.....................................................................................................................103
Chapter18—Telework Policy................................................................................................................ 105
18.1 Purpose..............................................................................................................................105
18.2 Eligibility Considerations.....................................................................................................105
18.3 Job Responsibilities and Conditions.....................................................................................105
18.4 Telework Site......................................................................................................................106
18.5 Computers,Software,Supplies,and Support.......................................................................106
18.6 Workers' Compensation......................................................................................................107
18.7 Overtime, Leave, and Compensation...................................................................................107
18.8 Liability...............................................................................................................................108
18.9 Inclement Weather.............................................................................................................108
18.10 Confidentiality..................................................................................................................108
18.11 Application and Renewal...................................................................................................108
Chapter 19—Artificial Intelligence(AI)Policy.................................................................................... 109
19.1 Purpose..............................................................................................................................109
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19.2 Scope .................................................................................................................................109
19.3 Principles............................................................................................................................109
19.4 Implementation..................................................................................................................109
19.5 Enforcement.......................................................................................................................110
19.6 Resou rces/Contact..............................................................................................................110
Chapter 20-Accommodations for Milk Expression&Menstruation...............................................111
Mason County Personnel Policies Adoption Chronology....................................................................113
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Chapter 1 — Purpose and Scope
1.1 Introduction
These personnel policies serve as a general guide to the County's current employment practices and
procedures. They help employees understand County operations and expectations. These policies also
describe County provided compensation and benefits to employees.
The County places a high value on employees' and their wellbeing, aims to provide the support necessary
to achieve the mission, and make productive contributions to the organization and residents of Mason
County
When consistent personnel policies are known and communicated to all,the opportunities for greater job
satisfaction increase. Any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions please contact an appropriate
supervisor, Department Head, or Elected Official.
1.2 Intent of Policies
These policies are intended as guidelines and do not constitute a contract,express or implied, or any type
of promise or guarantee of specific treatment upon which any employee may rely, or as a guarantee of
employment for any specific duration. Although the County hopes an employment relationship will be
long term, either the employee or County may decide to terminate the employment relationship. Unless
specific rights are granted to an employee in civil service rules, a collective bargaining agreement, an
employment contract, or elsewhere, all employees of the County are considered at-will employees and as
such, may be terminated from County employment at any time with or without cause and with or without
notice._No supervisor, manager, or other representative of the County other than the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC), or the Elected Official in the case of their employee, has the authority to enter
into any agreement with an employee for employment for any specified period or to make written or
verbal commitments contrary to the foregoing.
It is the intent and policy of Mason County to utilize best practice and industry standards when
implementing personnel policies.
1.3 Scope of Policies
These personnel policies apply to all County employees unless they are exempted in a specific section. In
cases where these policies conflict with any provision of the County Code, Civil Service rules and
regulations,the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement,or state or federal law,the terms of that
law, rule or regulation, or collective bargaining agreement prevail. In all other cases,these policies apply.
The non-economic provisions of these policies shall apply to Elected Official's departments unless the
Elected Official(s) have adopted policies covering the same subject(s) and filed those policies with the
BOCC.
1.4 Changing These Policies
The County reserves the right to modify these policies at any time.The BOCC or the County Administrator
may deviate from these policies to achieve the primary mission of serving the citizens of Mason County.
Employees may request specific changes to these policies by submitting suggestions to their Elected
Official or Department Head.
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1.5 Definitions
Anniversary Day of Pay: Shall mean the day of an employee's step increase depending on the day of hire,
promotion,transfer or demotion that may take place within the same pay period of the anniversary date.
The actual day of pay increase shall be the 1st or the 16th of the month, depending on the date of the
anniversary day(e.g. if an employee's anniversary date is on January 14,the pay increase will take effect
January 1). For transfers, promotions or demotions between departments,the effective date must be the
first day of the pay period, either the 1st or 16th.
Appointed Employee: An employee appointed by an elected official in their office. For example, Chief
Deputy Treasurer, Chief Deputy Clerk, Chief Deputy Prosecutor, etc.
Continuous Service:The most recent period of County employment unbroken by periods of unauthorized
absence, separation from employment due to discharge, resignation, retirement, or other reason where
the employment relationship has ceased, or periods of layoff twelve (12) months or longer.
Demotion: A change of an employee from a job classification to a different job classification which is
compensated at a lower salary range.
Department Head: An employee who reports directly to the Board of County Commissioners or County
Administrator and who is responsible for directing one or more departments.
Elected Official: Any person elected at a general or special election to any public office, and any person
appointed to fill a vacancy in any such office.
Extra Help Employee: An employee who holds a job of limited duration due to special projects, seasonal
or abnormal workloads, in the absence of a regular employee, or emergencies.
Non-Represented Employee: An employee who holds a position that is not represented by a union or
guild.
Promotion: A change of an employee from a job classification to a different job classification which is
compensated at a higher salary range.
Regular Full-Time Employee:An employee who holds a budgeted position and regularly works a minimum
of forty(40) hours a week.
Regular Part-Time Employee: An employee who holds a budgeted position and who regularly works less
than forty (40) hours a week.
Temporary Employee: An employee hired for a specific assignment or project that has a duration of
employment and schedule that is anticipated to work one thousand and forty (1,040) hours or more in a
twelve (12) month period.
Transfer: A change of an employee from a job classification to a different job classification which is
compensated at the same salary range.
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Chapter 2 — General Policies and Practices
2.1 Employee Personnel Records
A personnel file for each employee is kept in the Human Resources Department and/or in the department
in which they work. An employee's personnel file contains the employee's name, title and/or position
held, department to which the employee is assigned, salary, changes in employment status, training
received, performance evaluations, insurance enrollment forms, personnel actions affecting the
employee, including discipline, and other pertinent information. Medical information about employees is
contained in a separate confidential file.
Employees have the right to review their files. An employee may request removal of irrelevant or
erroneous information in their personnel file. If the County denies the employee's request to remove the
information,they may file a written rebuttal statement to be placed in their file.
Personnel files are kept confidential to the maximum extent permitted by law. Except for routine
verifications of employment, no information from an employee's personnel file will be released to the
public, including the press, without a written request for specific information and notification to the
employee.
2.2 Employment Verification
Only the Elected Official, Department Head, or Human Resources are authorized to provide employment
verifications on current or former County employees to outside employers. Other employees shall route
requests for employment verification to the personnel listed above. Information will be limited to
verification of employment and salary unless the employee has completed a written waiver and release.
Standardized release forms are available through the Human Resources Department.
Pre-employment—standardized release form
Current— HR would receive a signed release with the VOE
Post-employment—it is important that the DH, or whoever gets a call, needs to verify with HR that there
are no other agreements in place,there is a form online to log the information that is disclosed. Employee
Reference Documentation Form.
2.3 Employee Badge Policy
To establish guidelines for the issuance of a photo identification badge to all employees and for the use
of badges by employees while representing Mason County in an official capacity to provide a safe and
secure workplace for all employees. Employees are expected to fully comply with all provisions of this
policy.
2.3.1 Definitions
Employee: For the purpose of this chapter, employees shall refer to elected officials,full-time, part-time,
extra help, seasonal,temporary and on-call employees, including volunteers and interns.
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Employee ID Badge: The official County Employee ID badge. The ID badges will identify the name,
department, and position of an employee.
Official Capacity: Includes any time while on County property and/or any business where the employee
is representing the County.This includes while operating any vehicle for County business.
2.3.2 Requirements
The Human Resources Department will provide all new employees with a copy of this chapter at the time
of the new employee orientation. All employees are required to wear ID badges at County work areas
during official capacity. ID badges are to be prominently worn so the photo is clearly visible to others.The
requirement may be temporarily waived at the department's discretion when wearing the ID badge
presents a safety issue. However,the employee must always carry the ID badge when acting in an official
capacity. Employees are responsible for safeguarding their own ID badge.
2.3.3 Procedure
a. Employees of Mason County will be issued one (1) photo identification badge, clip, and lanyard
upon completion of the new employee orientation and required trainings issued by Human
Resources.
b. New ID badges will be issued to current employees who may transfer, promote, demote, etc. to a
different department or a name change.
c. Employee shall report lost or damaged ID badges to Human Resources by submission of the ID
Badge Request Form. The ID badge reprint will be sent to the department supervisor upon
activation.
d. Any lost ID badge that is found should be turned into Human Resources or to the address listed on
the back of the ID badge.
e. Upon separation of employment, an employee must turn in their ID badge to their supervisor.The
supervisor will send the ID badge to Human Resources.
f. Employee placed on administrative leave or out for an extended period of leave, must return their
ID badge to their supervisor until returning to work.
2.3.4 Identification Holder Responsibilities
a. Employees will not lend ID badges to anyone.
b. Employees will not leave their ID badge on the dash of a vehicle or other locations exposed to
extreme temperatures or theft.
c. Employees will not fold, bend, deface, alter pins, stickers, or decals, or mutilate ID badges.
d. Employees will not leave the ID badge unattended.
e. Employees will use the ID badge for official Mason County business only.
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f. Employees will submit an ID Badge Request Form when their ID badge is lost, missing or damaged.
2.4 Minor in the Workplace
County facilities are not designed, staffed, or authorized to accommodate minors. Employees are
expected to arrange reliable childcare and must not bring children or other minors into the workplace.
This policy is not a supplemental for childcare.
Bringing a minor to work will not be approved in most situations. Employees are generally prohibited from
bringing individuals under the age of eighteen into the workplace. Exceptions are rare, short-term, and
will generally be denied unless there is a clear and unavoidable emergency that disrupts normal childcare
arrangements,such as a sudden school delay,transportation interruption,or unexpected loss of childcare.
Routine childcare gaps, scheduling conflicts, personal convenience, or cost considerations do not qualify.
Employees must notify management immediately when a disruption occurs using standard call-in
procedures and must obtain approval before bringing a minor into the workplace. Employees must
provide the reason and expected duration and should be prepared to use leave or other available options
if the request is denied. Employees must not report to work with a minor without prior authorization.
Management will evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. Requests will be denied unless all of the
following conditions are clearly met: the work environment does not present any safety risk or liability
concern,there is no disruption to operations or service delivery,the employee is able to fully perform all
essential job functions without interruption, and the employee can maintain direct, continuous
supervision of the minor at all times.
If an exception is approved, the employee will remain fully responsible for the minor. The minor must
remain under direct supervision, stay within the approved workspace, and must not disrupt staff,
operations, or public service. Minors are prohibited from entering restricted, confidential, hazardous, or
high-risk areas. Work performance and responsibilities must not be diminished. Failure to meet these
expectations will result in immediate termination of the approval. Minors must not be present in areas
where client or customer service functions are performed.
The presence of minors in the workplace introduces safety risks, confidentiality concerns, and potential
liability. The County will maintain a workplace free from recognized hazards as required by Washington
Administrative Code (WAC 296-800-14005). Approval of an exception does not transfer or reduce these
risks and may be denied at the County's sole discretion.
This policy applies only to rare emergency situations. Repeated requests, patterns of use, or reliance on
this exception will not be approved and may be addressed as attendance or reliability concerns.Approval
is temporary and does not establish an ongoing arrangement, past practice, or precedent.
This policy will be applied in a manner consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and
County policies. Failure to follow this policy or obtain required approval may result in corrective action.
Employees with questions should contact their supervisor or Human Resources.
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Chapter 3 — Recruiting and Hiring
Employment practices to include recruitment and hiring will be established by Human Resources. They
are based solely on an applicant's ability, merit, qualifications, and competence without regard to race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, or other protected status by
Federal or State statute. County recruitments will include information about pay and other benefits for all
postings in accordance with RCW 49.58.100.
3.1 Recruiting
When a position becomes vacant,the Department Head or hiring manager, along with Human Resources,
shall conduct a thorough review of the position, including the job description and the necessity of filling
the role. Prior to posting or advertising the vacancy, before any posting or advertising occurs, all vacant
positions must be briefed to and receive approval from the Board of County Commissioners.This process
ensures careful oversight and alignment with the County's staffing needs, budget constraints, and
strategic objectives.The Department Head or hiring manager will then complete the requisition process
to initiate the hiring procedure. Only after the Human Resources Department and County Administrator
have reviewed and approved the requisition will the position be posted and/or advertised.
The County encourages promotion from within the organization whenever possible. Before advertising a
position to the public, Human Resources and/or the hiring manager may choose to circulate a promotional
opportunity within the County. The County reserves the right to seek qualified applicants outside of the
organization at its discretion. Employees must meet the qualifications for the vacant position to be
considered for promotion.
Interested applicants shall submit a completed application to Human Resources by the designated date
prior to being considered for any position.
3.2 Hiring
3.2.1 Screening
The County may screen applicants for minimum qualifications and/or subject matter expertise. The
Department Head or designee and Human Resources may decline to move forward with an applicant for
specific reasons which may include but are not limited to false statements, used or attempted to use
illegal or unethical means to secure an advantage in the application process, failure to reply to inquiries,
the applicant arrived late or failed to appear for a scheduled test or interview or expressed lack of interest
in the position, failed to provide a completed application packet by the designated date, or improper
conduct on the part of the applicant during any examination process.
3.2.2 Examinations
The County may administer pre-employment examinations to test the qualifications and ability of
applicants, as determined necessary by the County. The County may contract with any agency or
individual to prepare and/or administer examinations. Examples of such examinations include requiring
applicants to show proof they are authorized to work in the United States, background checks in
accordance with RCW, interviews, written, oral, or physical exercises, reference checks, education
verification, disclosure statements, or other valid examination process. Human Resources specifies the
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nature and content of examinations based upon the advice and information of Elected Officials,
Departments, and/or subject matter experts.
3.2.3 Veteran's Preference
In accordance with RCW 73.16.010 Mason County offers Veteran's employment preference to service
members claiming such benefit in the hiring process.
3.2.4 Employee Selection
The employee requisition and selection process shall be completed before any offer of employment is
made. After a contingent offer of employment has been made and prior to commencement of
employment, the County may require the applicant selected for employment to successfully pass
applicable examination/s.
A candidate may be disqualified from consideration if tests reveal use of alcohol and/or controlled
substances (other than legally prescribed medications), or if the candidate refuses to be tested, if
applicable.
3.2.4 Applicant Travel
Reasonable expenses incurred by candidates for management level,or hard to fill technical or professional
level positions may be reimbursed when such candidates are invited by the appointing authority in writing
for personal interviews. If no budget amendment is necessary,this action may be approved by the Elected
Official/Department Head with concurrence of the County Administrator.Travel expenses may be subject
to approval of the Board of County Commissioners if a budget amendment is needed. Expenses will be
limited to transportation, lodging, and meals. The transportation reimbursement shall be limited to the
amount the County would pay for round trip coach class airfare. The written invitation to the interview
shall include an explanation of those expenses that will be reimbursed and the method for claiming
reimbursement. Application for reimbursement must be made within policy guidelines established for
County employees. A portion, or the entire amount, of the reimbursement requested may be denied if
after the interview,the county makes an employment offer, and the offer is declined by the applicant.
3.2.5 Moving Expenses
Reasonable moving expenses of a new employee in a management level or hard to fill technical or
professional level position may be reimbursed in accordance with established procedures. Such
reimbursement shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). Moving expenses shall mean the cost of
moving household goods, furniture, clothing, and other personal effects of the new employee. To be
eligible for reimbursement the new employee must agree in writing to refund to the County such moving
expenses if they voluntarily terminate their employment within one(1)year of their hire date. If no budget
amendment is necessary, this action may be approved by the Elected Official/Department Head with
concurrence of the County Administrator.
3.3 Extra-Help Employees
Elected Officials and Department Heads may use extra-help employees to meet peak workload needs, or
to temporarily fill a vacancy until a regular employee is hired. Extra-help employees may be hired without
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competitive recruitment or examination, although all hiring processes must comply with state and federal
laws.
An on-call/extra-help employee works in a limited, but on-going capacity. Their schedule may consist of
an intermittent or a varied schedule per week on an as needed basis and are anticipated to work fewer
than one thousand and forty (1,040) hours within a twelve (12) month period.
Extra-help employees are eligible for overtime pay and sick leave as required by law. Extra-help employees
normally do not receive retirement,vacation, holiday pay, health insurance,or other benefits during their
employment. Extra-help employees may use available accrued sick leave no sooner than 90 days from the
date of hire.
Extra-help employees pay contributions to the Social Security system and to Labor and Industries,as does
the County on their behalf. Extra-help employees are normally not placed on the Department of
Retirement Systems (DRS) Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), although there are a few
exceptions based on PERS eligibility criteria, such as those who work over seventy (70) hours per month
for five (5) months out of twelve on a long-term basis.
3.4 Employment of Relatives (Nepotism)
The immediate family, by blood or marriage, of current County employees, Elected Officials and County
Commission members will not be employed by the County where:
a. One of the parties would have authority, or practical power, to supervise, appoint, remove, or
discipline the other.
b. One party would handle confidential material that creates improper or inappropriate access to
that material by the other.
c. One party would be responsible for auditing the work of the other: or
d. Other circumstances exist that might lead to potential conflict among the parties or conflict
between the interest of one or both parties and the best interests of the County.
Immediate family for the purpose of this section shall include the employee's spouse, domestic partner,
parent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-
in-law, daughter-in-law, and step relationships.
3.4.1 Change in Circumstances
If two(2) employees marry, become related,or are in a relationship and begin sharing living quarters,and
in the County's judgment, the potential problems noted above exist or reasonably could exist, only one
(1)of the employees will be permitted to stay with the County, unless other arrangements,as determined
by the BOCC, can be made to eliminate the potential problem. The decision as to which employee will
remain with the County must be made by the two (2) employees within thirty (30) calendar days of the
date they marry, become related, or begin sharing living quarters. If no decision is made during this time,
either employee may be terminated.
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3.6 Probationary Periods
All newly hired regular employees will serve a probationary period of six (6) calendar months from the
date of hire. The County may discharge a probationary employee with a minimum of one (1) day written
notice.The County may extend the six (6) month probationary period up to an additional six(6) months.
3.7 Trial Service Periods
Current employees transferred, reclassified, or promoted to another position may serve a trial service
period of three (3) months.
3.8 Requests for New Positions
New position requests may be submitted in preparation for submission of the annual budget, or initiation
of position changes during the budget year due to changes in service demands, funding, legal, technical,
organizational, or programmatic requirements.
DH submits the new position request form. New position requests will be submitted to the BOCC,through
Human Resources and Budget, in the format established and maintained by Human Resources. The
information submitted must include documentation explaining the need for the position and analysis of
the immediate and long-term budget impact, and a draft position description. Human Resources and
Budget will submit the request to the BOCC for preliminary approval.
Upon preliminary approval by the BOCC,the Human Resources Department will complete a formal review
and submit recommendations regarding the proper classification and salary. If approved by the BOCC,
the position shall be effective as of the date of the BOCC action or other date set by the BOCC in such
action. If the Board denies the request, the matter is closed.
3.9 Reclassification
A reclassification is a change in the allocation of a position from its current job classification to a different
job classification because of changed duties, responsibilities, and/or authority of a position.
Reclassification will be considered when an employee has been permanently assigned to perform the
primary functions of a different job classification or has been permanently assigned significantly different
duties, which may warrant establishing a new job classification.
Reclassification requests will not be considered for factors such as increased work volume of the same
level of work,added duties of a similar nature already covered by the classification, requiring similar skills,
education, or experience, duties within the current classification that have not been previously assigned,
additional duties assigned in a higher classification unless those duties become a majority of the current
position, enhanced technological tools to perform current duties, salary differences for similar jobs in
other jurisdictions/departments, reclassifications which occur in other departments, or as a tool to
increase compensation outside of normal processes.
Additionally, reclassification requests may not be considered for positions covered by a Collective
Bargaining Agreement that is in open negotiations.
An employee, Department Head, or Elected Official may request reclassification by submitting a request
to the Human Resources Director using the Reclass Request Form. The Human Resources Director or
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designer shall conduct a position analysis and respond with a recommendation in writing within sixty(60)
working days. Recommendations requiring action may then be submitted to the BOCC by the
Department/Elected Official with supporting documentation for their review. If approved by the BOCC,
the reclassification shall be effective as of the date of the BOCC's action or other date set by the BOCC in
such action. If the BOCC denies the request,the matter is closed.
The step placement of an employee who has been reclassified shall be the same as if the employee had
been promoted,transferred, or demoted, whichever is applicable.
Chapter 4 — Hours and Attendance
4.1 Attendance
Punctual and consistent attendance is a condition of employment. Each Elected Official and Department
Head is responsible for maintaining an accurate attendance record of their employees.
Employees unable to work or unable to report to work on time should notify their supervisor as soon as
possible, ordinarily before the workday begins or within thirty (30) minutes before the employee's usual
starting time. If an absence continues beyond one day, the employee is responsible for reporting in each
day unless excused from daily reporting by their supervisor. If the supervisor is unavailable,the employee
may leave a message with the Elected Official/Department Head or their designated representative,
stating the reason for being late or unable to report for work. Failure to notify of an absence or return to
work shall,with the approval of Human Resources, be considered job abandonment and/or an automatic
resignation.
4.2 Working Hours
A normal working schedule for regular, full-time employees consists of forty (40) hours each workweek
with the workweek beginning Sunday at 12:00 am and ending the following Saturday at 11:59 pm, unless
otherwise specified. Different work schedules may be established by the County to meet job requirements
and provide necessary County services. Changes in work schedules, which may include changes in the
schedule or total hours, shall be consistent with Chapter 4.2. Each employee's Elected Official or
Department Head will advise the employee regarding their specific working hours.
4.3 Hours of Work and Overtime
All County positions are designated as either "exempt" or "non-exempt" according to the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA) and Washington Minimum Wage Act regulations. Employees will be informed of
their status by the County. For most County employees, the established workweek shall normally consist
of forty(40) hours of time scheduled within a seven (7) consecutive day period.
All personnel are responsible for accurately reporting all hours worked and leave taken using the County
process. Employees failing to accurately record time worked and leave taken are subject to discipline.
4.3.1 Non-Exempt Employees
Non-exempt employees are entitled to additional compensation, either in cash or compensatory (comp)
time off, when working more than forty (40) hours in the applicable workweek. All overtime must be
authorized in advance by the employee's supervisor. Overtime pay is calculated at one and one-half times
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(1 %2) the employee's regular rate of pay for all time worked beyond forty (40) hours in the established
workweek period.When computing overtime,time paid for but not worked (e.g., holidays,sick leave, and
vacation time), is not counted as hours worked.
4.3.2 Exempt Employees
Exempt employees do not accrue overtime payor comp time. Deductions from an exempt employee's
salary for absences of less than one day will generally not be made, if the employee has worked at least
one half of their workday and leaves work with supervisory permission. It is expected that full-time,
overtime exempt work schedules will normally consist of approximately forty (40) hours per week;
however, emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position rather than working
a specific number of hours.The nature of responsibilities associated with overtime exempt positions often
requires greater than forty (40) hour work week including evening and weekend work and considerable
flexibility in work scheduling to accommodate meetings and functions on weekends and evenings.
Due to principles of public accountability, an exempt employee's salary may be reduced for a partial day
absence of four(4) hours or more (or half the employee's regular work day for an employee working less
than a full FTE), or such employee may be placed on leave without pay for absences for personal reasons
or because of injury or illness of less than one work day when accrued leave is not used by an employee
because:
a. permission for its use has not been sought or has been sought and denied;
b. accrued leave has been exhausted; or
c. authorized use of leave without pay.
d. any absence,taken in increments of fifteen (15) minutes, for the following reasons:
i. FMLA leave;
ii. Participation in political activity;
iii. Outside employment, subject to approval; or
iv. Other activities that would be in violation of the Conflict-of-interest policy if
conducted during regular business hours.
4.3.3 Work Schedules
Work hours for full-time non-represented employees shall normally be 8:00am to 5:00pm, unless the
County Office or Department establishes an alternate work schedule as described below:
a. The regular workweek shall normally consist of five (5) consecutive workdays, Monday
through Friday.
b. The County may modify the regular workweek to support special purposes at specified
periods of time (for instance budget, emergency management, etc.) provided employees
receive at least five (5)working days of notice for the schedule change.
c. The County may change employee work schedules with five (5) working days of notice to the
employee. Less than five (5) working days of notice may be given if mutually agreed between
the employee and the County.
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d. Hours shall be extended outside of normal business hours as necessary to allow for
uninterrupted and efficient operations.
FLEX TIME: Flexible starting and/or quitting times may be adopted, on a case-by-case basis, with mutual
agreement between the employee and their Employer.These work schedule adjustments shall not result
in the application of the overtime provisions but shall be paid at the regular rate for an 8-hour workday.
ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULE:Workweeks and work shifts of different numbers of hours and/or workdays
may be established by the Elected Official or designee, with prior notification to the employee, in order
to meet business and customer service needs, or in response to budgetary demands. Employees may be
assigned to an alternate work schedule with five (5) working days of notice from the manager. Less than
five(5)working days of notice may be given if mutually agreed upon between the employee and manager.
Employees may request an alternate work schedule,which is subject to the approval by the manager.
4.4 Compensatory (Comp) Time
Non-exempt employees entitled to overtime pay may request comp time off in lieu of cash payment.This
is approved on a case-by-case basis by the supervisor. The County is not required to grant comp time
instead of overtime pay. If the comp time option is exercised and approved,the employee is credited with
one and one-half(1%2) times their straight-time hourly rate for all overtime hours worked.
Compensation shall not be paid (nor comp time earned) more than once for the same hours under any
provision of this Article or Agreement. Premium or overtime pay shall not be duplicated or pyramided
unless required by the Fair Labor Standards Act, in which case premium or overtime pay shall be based
on the employee's regular rate of pay.
4.3.1 Comp Time Use
Employees may use comp time within a reasonable time after making a request to their supervisor, unless
doing so would unduly disrupt County operations. Comp time should be used for short-term absences
from work during times mutually agreed to by the employee and their supervisor. Upon approval by the
County,the employee may be permitted to cash out all or part of their comp time.
4.3.2 Maximum Accruals
Maximum accruals of comp time shall not exceed forty (40) hours for regular employees unless a higher
limit has been authorized in writing by the BOCC. After maximum accrual, overtime compensation shall
be paid by the appointing authority's department.Comp time cannot be rolled over,and the allowed forty
(40) hours of accrued comp time must be used by the end of each year. If the employee does not use all
their accumulated comp time, they will receive a payout for the unused comp time on the last payroll
check in December.
4.3.3 Comp Time Upon Transfer
Unused comp time is non-transferable. When an employee is transferring from one department to
another and has a balance of unused comp time, the employee is encouraged to use their comp time
before the effective date of transfer. When this is not possible, the transferring employee shall receive
payment in full for the accrued comp time from the employee's former department. Payout for comp
time is not eligible for a payout payment plan.
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Exempt regular employees shall not be entitled to any additional compensation for hours worked, more
than forty (40) hours per week. Employees transferring from non-exempt to exempt positions are
encouraged to use their comp, banked holiday, and premium time before the effective date of transfer.
If this is not possible,the transferring employee shall receive payment in full for the accrued comp, banked
holiday, and/or premium time from the employee's former department. Such payout shall be paid by the
appointing authority's budget, based on the rate of pay for the position from which the employee is
transferring from, not the rate of the new position. Payout for comp time is not eligible for a payout
payment plan.
4.5 Emergency Closures
During times of inclement weather or natural disaster, it is essential that the County continue to provide
vital public services.Therefore, it is expected that employees will make every reasonable effort to report
to work without endangering personal safety.
An employee who is unable to get to work, arrives late to work, or leaves work early because of unusual
weather conditions or other extreme circumstances shall charge the time missed to vacation, floating
holiday, comp time or if such leave is not available,to leave without pay. The employee shall advise their
supervisor by phone or in person as in any other case of late arrival or absence.
In some extreme circumstances, including, but not limited to,flooding,fire,total power outages,or other
public health emergencies, one or more County work locations may be unsuitable for employees to
perform their jobs safely or effectively. Under such circumstances, if employees are sent home after
reporting to work or told to report to work later than their regular starting time, they shall be paid for
hours missed from work that day. If employees are advised before reporting to work, or if reasonable
efforts were made to advise them before reporting to work, that they should not report to work, such
absence for time missed from work shall be charged to vacation, personal holiday, comp time or if such
leave is not available, to leave without pay. In no event shall the decision that some employees cannot
work due to conditions at their work location entitle other employees who worked,compensation beyond
their regular pay.
The decision to send employees home or tell them not to report to work shall be made by the Elected
Official or Department Head responsible for the work location and is subject to the prior approval of the
BOCC or a single BOCC member if only one BOCC member is available. If no BOCC member is available,
the decision of the Elected Official or Department Head shall be final. Such a decision shall include
consideration of the expected duration of the condition, safety issues affecting employees or the public
and alternative work locations.
4.5.1 County Office Closure Procedure
a. When a major snow,ice or storm event is taking place or appears to be imminent,the road operations
manager or their designee shall collect information from a variety of community sources to prepare
a road condition report as early as possible, but no later than 4:45 a.m. if possible.
b. At or about 4:45 a.m. the Road Operations and Maintenance Manager or designee shall contact the
Public Works Director or their designee to discuss the road and weather conditions and latest weather
forecast.
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c. At or about 5:00 a.m. the Public Works Director or designee calls the County Administrator to advise
them of road conditions throughout the county and latest weather forecast and makes a
recommendation regarding suspending standard operations. The County Administrator shall notify
the Commission Chair and Presiding Judges.
d. The Chair shall decide if:
i. The situation does not merit suspending standard operations:The County will observe normal
business operations because road conditions in most areas of the County are not hazardous;
all County operations will be conducted to facilitate justice and commerce. Staff may use
leave as provided in the Personnel Policy 4.5 Unusual Weather Conditions/Extreme
Circumstances: or
ii. Opening standard operations will be delayed until a specified time later in the day(preferably
10:00 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.) [or closed early if conditions merit] because extremely hazardous
conditions currently exist and the safety risks of travel for employees and the public and the
associated County liability outweigh the benefit of commencing designated standard
operations at the normal time; or
iii. Extremely hazardous conditions exist and are likely to persist throughout the day and the
safety risks of travel for employees, the public, and the associated County liability outweigh
the benefit of conducting designated standard operations this day. Conduct of standard
operations is suspended until a specified time the following day.
e. The Chair will contact the Presiding Judges of Superior and District Courts to determine if it is
necessary to make special accommodations for any of their operations during the suspension of
standard operations.
f. By 6:00 a.m., the Chair calls Central Services staff to update the County closure information message
number (360-427-9670 ext. 678) with information regarding the duration of the suspension. Central
Services will contact the media and the Emergency Management/Information Technology Manager
or designee.
g. The Emergency Management/Information Technology Manager or designee shall update the County
website with the closure information and broadcast an emergency alert message.
h. If closure occurs during regular work hours, Central Services staff updates the County closure
information message number (x678), contacts each county office, sends out an "all-county" email,
sends notice to website and the media. Emergency Management shall broadcast an emergency alert
message.
4.6 Breaks and Mealtime
Employees may be allowed up to a one (1) hour unpaid lunch period as approved and scheduled by the
employee's supervisor. Employees are entitled to one (1) fifteen-minute break for every four (4) hours
worked. Breaks should be arranged so that they do not interfere with County business or service to the
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public. The scheduling of meal periods may vary depending on the department's workload. Meal periods
are unpaid. Generally, lunch periods and breaks are not be combined to shorten an employee's workday.
4.7 Call Back
Employees are subject to call back in emergencies or as needed by the County to provide necessary
services to the public. Non-exempt employees called back to duty will be paid their appropriate rate of
pay for hours worked (the overtime rate for hours worked over the applicable overtime threshold).
4.8 Payroll Records
Official payroll records are kept by the Auditor. On a semi-monthly basis each Elected Official and
Department Head shall submit a signed payroll worksheet and signed statement for all employees within
their department, noting regular hours worked, leave taken, overtime worked, and comp time taken for
each employee.The BOCC will approve the warrants at regular board meetings.
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Chapter 5 — Compensation
5.1 Classification and Grades
Each regular job title is classified into one of the County's job classifications for salary purposes. Each job
classification is designated a particular salary or salary range shown on the County's salary range
alignment, which is modified periodically by the BOCC, or as specified in the applicable union agreement.
Employee's classifications, grades, and changes are to be tracked in the County's MUNIS system to
maintain the transparency, professionalism, integrity, accountability, respect, and partnership between
Mason County, its departments, and the employees.
5.2 Employee Pay Rates
Employees shall be paid within the limits of the salary range to which their positions are assigned. Usually,
new employees will start their employment at the minimum wage rate for their classification. However,
a new employee may, upon the written request of the Elected Official or Department Head and approval
of the Human Resources Director, be employed at a higher rate than the minimum.
When deemed appropriate and approved by the BOCC, an employee may be compensated at a Y-Rate,
which is a rate of pay that either is between steps of the salary range or exceeds the top step of the salary
range. A Y-Rate shall remain in effect until such time as a step of the salary range for the employee's job
classification equals or exceeds the Y-Rate or the BOCC rescinds their authorization for the Y-Rate.
For non-represented employees, pay increases are contingent on satisfactory performance. If an
employee's performance is consistently unsatisfactory,the Elected Official or Department Head may defer
a scheduled pay increase for a stipulated period or until the employee's job performance is satisfactory.
The BOCC may grant a pay adjustment from time to time, raising the salaries of all classifications,a defined
group of classifications, or a single classification. Such adjustments, if any, will not normally change an
employee's pay anniversary date.
5.2.2 Lead Pay
The County may designate an employee as a Lead and assign Lead Pay for a period of up to six(6) months.
This designation is not considered to be a "job vacancy" or "newly created position". An employee may
be designated a lead if they are directing, overseeing, or organizing, the work of other employees or
specific projects. The County reserves the right to make a Lead designation based on other factors and
rationale with the approval of Human Resources. A Lead cannot hire, fire, or discipline employees.
Employees acting as Lead will receive an additional ten (10%) percent increase over their current rate of
pay. Lead pay may be approved by the County Administrator, in conjunction with Human Resources, if no
budget adjustments are necessary. Requests requiring a budget adjustment shall be brought to the BOCC.
Lead Pay statuses will be reviewed annually as part of the budget process.
5.2.3 Out-of-Class Pay
An employee who has been assigned to perform all of the significant duties of a higher level job
classification, due to the absence of the employee who normally holds that position, and who performs
such duties for five (5) or more consecutive days, shall be compensated on that step of the salary range
of the higher job class that provides at least a five(5%) percent increase over their(the employee working
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out of class) current rate of pay. Out-of-class pay may be approved by the County Administrator, in
conjunction with Human Resources, if no budget adjustments are necessary. Requests requiring a budget
adjustment shall be brought to the BOCC.
5.2.4 Transfers, Promotions and Demotions Define
Employees that accept a position of a higher classification and salary range than their current position in
another County office or department (a position under a different Elected Official or Department Head)
will preferably be placed on the step which results in a five (5%) percent increase over the employee's
current salary.
When the Elected Official or Department Head determines that the employee will require significant
training to perform the essential functions of the new position, the Elected Official or Department Head
may offer placement at a lower step within the higher classification's salary range, resulting in an increase
of less than five percent(5%).
Upon the request of the Elected Official or Department Head and approval of the Human Resources
Director, a promoted employee may be placed at a step higher than specified above.
If the Human Resources Director does not concur in a request for advanced step placement for a newly
hired, transferred, or promoted employee, the Elected Official or Department Head may appeal that
decision to the County Administrator.
Employees who transfer, promotion or demotion to another county office or department the effective
date must be the first day of the pay period, either the 15T or 16th.
5.3 Longevity
Eligible Employees: For section 5.3, eligible employees are defined as regular full-time employees,
appointed employees,and regular part-time employees. Eligible regular part-time employees shall receive
a pro-rated longevity benefit in proportion to the number of hours the part-time employee is in pay status
during the month as compared to that required for full-time employment.
The County shall provide additional monthly compensation, above each eligible employee's base salary
to recognize continuous service as a County employee, as follows:
Total Years of Service Completed Additional Pay Increment
1-10 Years 0
11-15 Years 1.5
16-20 Years 3.0
21-25 Years 4.5
26 or more Years 6.0
5.5 Paydays
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County employees are paid semi-monthly on the 10th and 25th of each month and the payroll will be a
direct deposit into the bank of the employee's choice. If a regularly scheduled payday falls on Saturday or
Sunday, payroll will be deposited on Friday. If a regularly scheduled payday falls on a holiday, payroll will
be deposited on the last regular workday prior to the holiday.
5.6 Deductions
Some regular deductions from the employee's earnings are required by law; other deductions are
specifically authorized by the employee. The County will withhold from the employee's paycheck those
deductions required by law and any voluntary deductions authorized by the employee, by applicable
union contract, or by statute. All deductions from pay are deducted from the last check of the month. If
an employee is overpaid or required deductions were not withheld,the amount overpaid or not withheld
will be deducted from future pay on a reasonable basis unless excused by the BOCC.
5.7 Compensation Upon Separation
When employment with the County is terminated,the employee will receive the following compensation
on the next regularly scheduled payday:
a. Regular wages for all hours worked up to the time of termination, which have not already been paid.
b. Any overtime or holiday pay due.
c. A lump sum payment for accrued but unused vacation provided the employee has completed six (6)
months of employment, comp time and,for eligible employees, accrued but unused sick leave.
d. If applicable, a lump sum payment for accrued by unused sick leave per Article 7.2.18.
Separating employees entitled to payment for accrued leave time, and in the case of employees of the
Sheriff's Department, banked holiday time, may request payment for such time in scheduled payments
rather than a lump sum.To be eligible for scheduled payments the amount due must be$10,000 or more,
the scheduled payments must be $500 or more per month and the employee must agree to conditions
established by the county.
5.8 Uniform Allowance
Compensation for required employee work apparel shall be based on RCW 49.12.450. Non-Represented
employees requesting reimbursement, upon presentation of receipt, under this policy, shall be
reimbursed for the purchase of a uniform meeting the following conditions:
a. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 49.46 RCW or other provisions of this chapter, the
obligation of the employer to furnish or compensate an employee for apparel required during work
hours shall be determined only under this section.
b. Employers are not required to furnish or compensate employees for apparel that the employer
requires an employee to wear during working hours unless the required apparel is a uniform.
c. As used in this section, "uniform" means:
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•
i. Apparel of a distinctive style and quality that, when worn outside of the workplace, clearly
identifies the person as an employee of Mason County.
ii. Apparel that is specially marked with the employer's logo.
d. Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if the County requires an employee to wear
apparel of a common color that conforms to a general dress code or style,the County is not required
to furnish or compensate an employee for that apparel. For the purposes of this subsection, "common
color" is limited to the following colors or light or dark variations of such colors:White,tan,gray, blue,
or black for tops; and tan, black, blue, or gray, for bottoms. The County is permitted to require an
employee to obtain two sets of apparel to accommodate for the seasonal changes in weather, which
necessitate a change in wearing apparel.
e. If the County changes the color or colors of apparel required to be worn by any of their employees
during a two (2) year period, the County shall furnish or compensate the employees for the apparel.
The County shall be required to furnish or compensate only those employees who are affected by the
change. The two (2)year time begins on the date the change in wearing apparel goes into effect and
ends two years from this date.The beginning and end of the two(2)year time applies to all employees
regardless of when the employee is hired.
f. For the purposes of this section, personal protective equipment required for employee protection
under Chapter 49.17 RCW is not deemed to be employee wearing apparel.
5.9 Personnel Actions
The Personnel Action Form (PAF) is used to report all changes, such as, but not limited to; appointments,
terminations, change in status, leave, compensation of an individual employee, and shall be entered into
the County's financial system, MUNIS.
Since the information on the PAF form can affect employees' paycheck, benefits, and receipt of
information such as state retirement and W-2's, it is critical that it be completed by the department in a
timely manner, as outlined by Mason County Auditor's Office. Human Resources and Payroll shall receive
PAFs from the departments by the established deadline, per the PAF schedule,to ensure timely,accurate,
posting and processing payments to employees. All County departments are required to enter PAF's into
MUNIS for the following(but not limited to) purposes:
o Hire
o Leave
o Master
o Re-Hire
o Salary
o Terminations
For questions and clarifications please contact Human Resources or Financial Services—Payroll.
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•
Chapter 6 — Benefits
6.1 Retirement Benefits
The County makes contributions to the Social Security System on behalf of all eligible employees in
addition to those contributions made by the employee through FICA payroll deductions.
All regular uniformed employees in the Sheriff's Department are covered by the Law Enforcement Officers
and Firefighters Retirement System (LEOFF). Benefit levels and contribution rates are set by the State of
Washington. All regular full-time and eligible part-time non-uniformed employees are covered under the
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). All full-time and eligible part-time public safety employees
as defined by Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) are covered under Public Safety Employees'
Retirement System (PSERS). Benefit levels and contribution rates are set by the State of Washington.
Membership in PERS is optional for Elected Officials and the BOCC.
Employees intending to retire should notify their Elected Official or Department Head, and Human
Resources of their intent to retire at least six (6) months prior to the date of retirement.
The County participates in a Section 457 Deferred Compensation Plan which allows employees to make
tax deferred contributions up to certain dollar limits defined by the IRS. Contributions and interest
earnings from investments are not subject to income tax withholding until time of receipt.
6.2 Health Insurance Benefits
Full-time employees and part-time employees working at least eighty(80) hours per month are eligible to
participate in the County's various health insurance programs on the first day of the month following
employment, except when the first day of employment is the first of the month then their eligibility shall
commence immediately. The programs and criteria for eligibility and dependent eligibility will be
explained upon hire.
The County contributes toward the cost of premiums in the amounts authorized by the BOCC. The
remainder of the premiums, if any, shall be paid by the employee through payroll deduction. The County
reserves the right to make changes in the carriers and provisions of these programs at its discretion,with
prior notice to affected employees. Employees electing not to take coverage for those insurance programs
that the County contributes toward the cost of premiums may be required to sign a waiver of coverage
and proof of insurance coverage through another entity.
7.13 Benefit Eligibility for Part-Time and Extra Help Employees
Unless noted otherwise in these policies or by statue, benefits for part-time, seasonal, on-call and extra
help employees are as follows:
Part-Time Employees:All leave, including holidays,are pro-rated. Pro-rated means the ratio between the
number of hours in the employee's normal work schedule and forty (40) hours per week. Part-time
employees working three-quarter (3/4) time or more shall receive the same insurance premium
contribution as non-represented full-time employees. Part-time employees working between eighty(80)
hours per month and three-quarter (3/4) time shall receive one-half (1/2) the insurance premium
contribution of non-represented full-time employees. Part-time employees,whose hours may drop below
the eligibility thresholds referenced above for one (1) or more months during the calendar year due to
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work requirements, will be eligible for insurance premium contributions for all months if their average
hours for the calendar year meet the eligibility criteria.
Seasonal, Extra-Help, and On-Call Employees: Employees normally are not eligible to receive benefits,
including leaves, holidays and insurance.
6.3 Benefit Continuation of Insurance Coverage
When certain qualifying events occur, including an employee's termination from County employment,
beginning an unpaid leave of absence, or a reduction in hours worked, at the employee's option and
expense, the employee may be eligible to continue County health insurance benefits to the extent
provided under the federal COBRA statutes and regulations. Covered dependents may also be eligible, at
their option and expense, to continue County health insurance coverage. To the extent allowed by law,
an administrative handling fee over and above the cost of the insurance premium may be charged to the
employee or their dependents who elect to exercise their COBRA continuation rights. An explanation of
COBRA rights will be provided to new hires, annually to current employees, and when a qualifying event
occurs.
6.4 Unemployment Compensation
County employees may qualify for State Unemployment Compensation after termination from county
employment depending on the reason for termination from employment.
6.5 Coordination of Workers' Compensation Benefits
Employees are covered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Workers'
Compensation Program for on-the-job injuries and occupational illnesses. For qualifying cases, Workers'
Compensation typically pays approved medical costs and provides wage replacement.
If an employee is absent from work for one(1)or more days or receives medical attention due to an injury
or occupational disease resulting from County employment, the employee shall file an application for
Workers' Compensation in accordance with state law.
If an employee is injured on the job and requires immediate medical treatment, the employee will be
required to use sick leave. Unless the employee is on FMLA, sick leave must be exhausted prior to using
vacation leave or comp time. FMLA qualified leave shall run concurrent with use of sick leave, vacation
leave, unpaid leave, light duty assignment due to a disabling injury or illness, and/or workers'
compensation time loss benefits. The employee may continue health care benefits by self-paying
insurance premiums for the remainder of the time they receive Workers' Compensation benefits.
Scheduled workdays falling within the first three (3) calendar days following the day of injury are
compensable through accrued sick leave.Time loss payments from a Workers' Compensation claim begin
on the fourth (4th) consecutive day after the injury and continue during the period of disability, as allowed
by the employee's Workers' Compensation claim.
Employees who are temporarily disabled resulting from County employment and are being compensated
through Workers' Compensation time loss payments are entitled to vacation and sick leave accruals for
up to six (6) months from the date of injury. The employer will also continue to pay for the employer's
portion of health insurance premiums for up to six (6) months from the date of injury, provided that the
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employee continues to pay their share of premiums, if any. It is the responsibility of the employee to
contact and follow the direction of DRS, while they are on time loss payments,to ensure continuation of
retirement service credit accrual.
An employee cannot be compensated simultaneously for time missed due to an on-the-job injury or
occupational illness which is directly traceable to employment with the County, using leave accruals and
Workers' Compensation time loss payments. If the employee is certified unable to work, the employee
must complete the Leave Choice Option form:
(https://masoncountywa.gov/departments/human resources/forms.php) to notify County of their
selection. Employees must complete and submit the form to Human Resources no later than the fifth (5th)
consecutive day of time missed due to an on-the-job injury or occupational disease. Failure to submit the
form, or until eligibility for Workers' Compensation is determined by the Dept. of L&I, all applicable leave
accruals may be used automatically to supplement such payments, provided that the employee shall
return any subsequent over payment to the County in the form of deductions from subsequent wage
payments in accordance with RCW 49.48.210.
The employee must use the Leave Choice Option form to select whether they would like to supplement
time loss payments with the use of accrued sick leave or use their accrued leave for the entire pay period
and buy back the accrued leave (sick leave,vacation, comp time)with their Workers' Compensation time
loss payments.
Supplementing:
If supplementing, sick leave pay shall be used to supplement Workers' Compensation time loss benefits
in an amount equal to the difference between the compensation to which the person is entitled under
the Industrial Insurance Act and regular County gross pay. Accrued vacation and/or comp time may be
used in a like manner after accrued sick leave has been exhausted,unless other sections of this agreement
supersede.
Buy-Back:
If the employee opts for buy-back, the employee shall use accrued sick leave for all time missed and will
buy back the leave with their Workers' Compensation time loss payments. The County will calculate the
buy-back rate using the employee's current hourly rate at the time of the buy-back. Upon the repayment
of funds,the appropriate amount of leave shall be restored to the employee's leave bank. In the event an
employee does not submit the Worker's Compensation time loss payment to the County, they may be
subject to disciplinary action for misuse,falsifying, or abusing sick leave.
If an employee has any questions regarding Workers' Compensation, they may contact the Human
Resources Department.
The County may require an examination at its expense to determine when the employee can return to
work and if they will be capable of performing the essential duties of the position with or without
reasonable accommodation.
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Chapter 7 — Leaves
Some leaves listed in Chapter 7 affect an employee's paycheck, benefits, and receipt of information such
as state retirement and W-2's, therefore a Personnel Action Form (PAF) may be required to be entered
into the County's financial system.
7.1 Vacation Leave
Each regular full-time employee shall accrue paid vacation leave as follows:
Years of Continuous Service Vacation Hours Earned
1-3 96
4-7 120
8-9 144
10-11 160
12-14 176
15-16 184
17-19 192
20+ 200
All new employees must satisfactorily complete their probationary period to be entitled to the accrual
and use of vacation leave. Part-time employees will receive vacation on a pro-rata basis. Extra-help
employees are not eligible for vacation leave accrual. Employees do not accrue vacation leave during leave
without pay, unless covered by protected leave.
Usually, new employees will start their employment at the minimum vacation accrual rate. However, as
part of the negotiated compensation package, for an at-will position, a new employee may, upon the
written request of the Elected Official or Department Head and with the approval of the Human Resources
Director, be employed at a higher accrued vacation rate than the minimum.
Full-time employees must work, or be in a paid status, at least eighty (80) hours in a month to accrue
vacation for the month. Part-time employees must work, or be in a paid status, at least in the same
proportion to eighty(80) hours as their regular hours are to full-time employment to accrue vacation for
that month.
The first day of the month of hire shall be the effective date for subsequent increases in the vacation
accrual rate for employees hired between the first and the fifteenth of the month. The first day of the
following month of hire shall be the effective date for subsequent increases in the vacation accrual rate
for employees hired between the sixteenth and the last day of the month.
Each department is responsible for scheduling its employees' vacations without undue disruption of
department operations. Leave requests shall normally be submitted at least two weeks prior to taking
vacation leave.
The maximum amount of vacation leave that may be accrued at any point in time is four hundred (400)
hours. No vacation leave accrued will be added to an employee's vacation leave benefit when the
maximum accrual has been attained, except that the four hundred (400) hours maximum may be
exceeded in any given month with prior written approval of the Elected Official or Department Head.
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Employees will be paid for unused vacation time upon termination of employment, except in the case of
termination during the first six(6)months of employment. Employees who resign their position to assume
an Elected Office will be paid for unused vacation time upon termination of employment.
7.2 Sick Leave
Sick leave is available for employees to care for their own health and for the health of their family
member.The sick leave accrual year is December 16 to December 15. Employees may use sick leave in
10-minute increments.
7.2.1 Eligibility Requirements for Sick Leave
a. Employees in full time and part-time non-represented positions are eligible to accrue and use sick
leave from their date of hire and may use paid sick leave hours as they are earned.
b. Employees in on-call,seasonal,extra help and temporary positions will accrue sick leave from the date
of hire but are not eligible to use accrued leave until (ninety) 90 days after their hire date.
c. Employees in represented positions shall refer to their collective bargaining agreement for eligibility
requirements.
d. Per RCW 3.34.100 district judges shall be granted sick leave in the same manner as other county
employees.
7.2.2 Exempt from Sick Leave Eligibility
a. Elected Officials.
b. Any individual engaged in volunteer work for the county, where the employer-employee relationship
does not in fact exist or where the services are rendered gratuitously. If the individual receives a
reimbursement in lieu of compensation for normally incurred out-of-pocket expenses or receives a
nominal amount of compensation per unit of voluntary services rendered, an employer-employee
relationship is deemed not to exist for the purpose of this policy(Boards, Commissions, BOE, etc.).
c. Individuals whose duties require that they reside or sleep at the place of their employment or who
otherwise spends a substantial portion of their work time subject to call, and not engaged in the
performance of active duties (Any on call staff who are not working in the office/field engaged in
active duties for their entire shift.)
d. Any resident or inmate of the county correctional, detention,treatment, or rehabilitative institution.
7.2.3 Sick Leave Accrual
Per RCW 49.46.210 employees shall accrue at least one (1) hour of paid sick leave for every forty (40)
hours worked.All full-time and part-time employees,who are in paid status, at least eight (80) hours in a
month, shall accrue sick leave.Sick leave accruals for all full-time exempt, non-exempt, and those in non-
represented positions shall not exceed accruing over eight (8) hours in any given month. Sick leave for
part-time employees will be pro-rated based on their full-time equivalency (FTE) percentage when
applicable. Extra-help, seasonal and on-call employees shall accrue sick leave at the rate of one hour(1)
per 40 hours worked.
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Employees in represented positions shall accrue sick leave in accordance with the amount stated in their
collective bargaining agreements.
7.2.5 Annual Carryover of Sick Leave Hours
Unused sick leave as of December 15 in any year, shall be carried over to the succeeding year up to the
following maximums:
a. For part-time(less than 80 hours a month),extra-help,seasonal and on-call positions,forty(40) hours
will carry over.
b. For full-time exempt and non-exempt positions, employees will carry over a maximum of one
hundred and fifty(150) days or twelve hundred (1,200 hours).
c. For represented positions, employees shall refer to their collective bargaining agreement.
7.2.6 Family Member Defined for Sick Leave Usage
When using sick leave,the following definition of family member shall apply:
a. A child, including a biological, adopted, or foster child, stepchild, or a child to whom the employee
stands in loco parentis, is a legal guardian, or is a de facto parent, regardless of age or dependency
status.
b. A biological, adoptive, de facto, or foster parent, stepparent, or legal guardian of an employee or the
employee's spouse or registered domestic partner, or a person who stood in loco parentis when the
employee was a minor child.
c. A spouse or registered domestic partner.
d. A grandparent.
e. A grandchild.
f. A sibling; or
g. Any individual who regularly resides in the employee's home or where the relationship creates an
expectation that the employee cares for the person, and that individual depends on the employee for
care.
7.2.7 Authorized Use of Sick Leave
Employees are eligible for sick leave usage in accordance with RCW 49.46.210 and as defined below.
a. Mental or physical illness or disability, injury, health condition and/or preventative care such as a
medical, dental, or optical appointment.
b. Care of a family member with an illness, injury, health condition and/or preventative care such as a
medical, dental, or optical appointment.
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c. Quarantine of an employee by a physician for exposures to a contagious disease, where on-the-job
presence of the employee would jeopardize the health of others or if an employee is sent home for
signs and symptoms, and quarantine orders of pandemic related illnesses.
d. In the event of a death in the employee's family an additional two (2) sick leave days beyond
bereavement leave will be granted. Leave of absence is not to exceed five (5) consecutive calendar
days.
e. Use of a prescription drugs which impairs job performance or safety.
f. Actual periods of temporary disability related to pregnancy or childbirth.
g. To attend the birth of and/or to care for a newborn child of an employee.
h. Closure of the employee's place of business or a child's school/place of care by order of a public official
for any health-related reasons or has been closed after the declaration of an emergency by a local or
state government or agency, or by the federal government.
7.2.9 Rate of Pay When Using Sick Leave
Paid sick leave hours will be compensated at the employees' base salary rate, excluding any overtime,
premiums, or other add to pays. Calculation of overtime shall be based on FLSA rules; therefore, use of
paid sick leave shall not count towards the overtime calculation.
7.2.19 Sick Leave Balance
Employees are notified of their sick leave balance semi-monthly on their pay stub. This information will
include:
a. Sick leave accrued since the last notification.
b. Sick leave used since the last notification; and
c. Current balances of sick leave available for use.
7.2.10 Reasonable Notice and Foreseeable absences for Use of Sick Leave
Employees must provide reasonable advanced notice of an absence from work for the use of paid sick
leave to care for self or a family member. Reasonable notice shall be provided to the employee's Elected
Official, Department Head, or immediate supervisor. Any information provided will be kept confidential.
If an employee's absence is foreseeable,the employee must provide notice at least ten (10)working days,
or as early as possible, before the first day sick leave is used. Employees are required to submit an
Employee Notice for Use of Paid Sick Leave form. If possible, notification should include the expected
duration of the absence.
7.2.12 Unforeseeable Absence for Sick Leave Use
If an employee's absence is unforeseeable,the employee must contact their Elected Official, Department
Head, or immediate supervisor as soon as possible; but no later than one (1) hour before the employee's
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required start time. The notice should include the expected duration of absence. In the event it is not
possible to provide notice of an unforeseeable absence, a person on the employee's behalf may provide
such notice. Employees are required to complete an Employee Notice for Use of Paid Sick Leave Form on
the day following the employee's return from paid sick leave.
7.2.13 Verification for Sick Leave Absences Exceeding Three Days
Employees seeking to use or using sick leave for authorized purposes for more than three (3) consecutive
days, may be required to provide verification that establishes or confirms that the use of sick leave is for
an authorized purpose. Verification must be provided within ten (10) calendar days of the first day that
sick leave is used to care for either the employee or a family member.
a. When an employee or the employee's family member out using sick leave for more than three (3)
consecutive days for which the employee is required to work, acceptable verification may include:
i. A doctor's note or a signed statement by a health care provider indicating that the use of sick
leave is necessary to care for the employee or an employee's family member; or
ii. A written or oral statement from the employee indicating that the use of sick leave is necessary
to take care of themselves or a family member.
b. When an employee is absent due to the closure of a school or a place of care, attended by the
employee's child, or by a public official due to health-related reasons. A copy of the notice received
by the employee regarding the closure shall be provided.
7.2.14 Unreasonable Burden or Expense for Verification
If an employee believes obtaining verification for use of sick leave would result in an unreasonable burden
or expense, please contact Human Resources in writing, prior to the required ten (10) calendar days
allotted to provide the verification. Indicate that the absence is for an authorized purpose and explain
why verification would result in an unreasonable burden or expense.
Within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the employee's request, Human Resources will work with the
Elected Official or Department Head and employee to identify an alternative for the employee to meet
the verification requirement in a way that does not result in an unreasonable burden or expense.
a. Company-provided transportation to the employee's doctor.
b. Sharing the cost of getting a note from a medical provider; or
c. Providing a note of explanation in lieu of other forms of verification.
Mason County may choose not to pay an employee for sick leave taken more than ten (10) consecutive
days until verification is provided. An employee has the right to contact the Mason County Prosecutor in
the event they feel they are being discriminated against or treated unfairly.
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7.2.15 Abusing Sick Leave
In the event an employee misuses, falsifies, or abuses sick leave, the employee will forfeit any leave
compensation. The employee may become subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination
of employment.
7.2.17 Employment Separation and Reinstatement for Sick Leave
When an employee separates from employment,there will be no financial or other reimbursement given
to the employee for any accrued, unused sick leave at the time of separation unless otherwise stated in
the sick leave cash-out section.
Per RCW 49.46.210 (k) When there is a separation from employment and the employee is rehired within
twelve (12) months of separation by the same employer, whether at the same or a different business
location of the employer, previously accrued unused paid sick leave shall be reinstated and the previous
period of employment shall be counted for purposes of determining the employee's eligibility to use paid
sick leave. If an employee did not meet the ninety(90)calendar-day requirement prior to separation, prior
employment time with the County will be counted for purposes of determining the eligibility of the
employee for paid sick leave.
7.2.16 Sick Leave Cash-Out
Payment for and balance up to the maximum amount allowed by this policy and all other policies, shall
be no greater than 1,200 hours of unused sick leave and shall be made only in the following circumstances:
a. Upon termination of employment with fifteen (15) years of continuous service with Mason County,
and the employee's hire date was prior to April 13, 2010; or
b. Upon termination of employment with Mason County, when the termination is contemporaneous
with retirement from the applicable Washington State Public Employees Retirement System, and the
employee was hired prior to April 13, 2010, with continuous service; or
c. Upon the death of an employee, in which case payment shall be made to their estate, provided the
employee was hired prior to April 13, 2010; or
d. Employees who terminate employment to become an Elected Official of Mason County, provided the
employee was hired prior to April 13, 2010.
e. Per RCW 3.34.100 a district judge may receive when vacating office remuneration for unused
accumulated leave and sick leave at a rate equal to one day's monetary compensation for each four
full days of accrued sick leave not to exceed the equivalent of thirty days' monetary compensation.
The district judge shall meet the requirements as outlined in items 1-3 of this section to be eligible for
a payout.
7.2.20 Retaliation Prohibited
Any discrimination or retaliation against an employee for lawful exercise of sick leave rights is not allowed.
Employees will not be disciplined for the lawful use of sick leave. If an employee feels discriminated
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against or retaliated against,the employee may contact the Human Resources Director. If an employee is
not satisfied with the response received from the Human Resources Director,the employee shall contact
the Mason County Prosecutor for a resolution prior to filing a complaint to Washington State Department
of Labor& Industries.
7.2.21 Sick Leave for Domestic Violence or Stalking Victims
If the employee or the employee's family member (as defined below) is a victim of domestic violence,
sexual assault, or stalking. Authorized use of paid sick leave for domestic violence, sexual assault or
stalking includes:
a. Seeking legal or law enforcement assistance or remedies to ensure the health and safety of the
employee and their family members including but not limited to, preparing for, or participating
in, any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or derived from domestic violence, sexual
assault, or stalking.
b. Seeking treatment by a health care provider for physical or mental injuries caused by domestic
violence, sexual, assault, or stalking.
c. Attending health care treatment for a victim who is a member of the employee's family.
d. Obtaining, or assisting a family member in obtaining, services from: a domestic violence shelter;
a rape crisis center; or a social services program for relief from domestic violence, sexual assault,
or stalking.
e. To obtain, or assist a family member in obtaining, mental health counseling related to an incident
of domestic violence, sexual assault of stalking in which the employee or a family member of the
employee was a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and
f. Participating, for the employee or for a family member, in safety planning; or temporary or
permanent relocation; or other actions to increase the safety from future incidents of domestic
violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
For the purpose of leave allowed for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, family
member as defined in Chapter 296-135-010 WAC:
a. any child, biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person
standing in loco parentis who is under eighteen years of age,or eighteen years of age or older and
incapable of self-care because of mental or physical disability.
b. Spouse means a husband or wife, and individuals in state registered domestic partnerships; See
RCW 49.12.265 (6) and 1.12.080
c. Parent means a biological or adoptive parent of an employee or an individual who stood in loco
parentis to an employee when the employee was a child.
d. Parent-in-law means a parent of the spouse or of a partner in a state registered domestic
partnership of an employee; and
e. Grandparent means a parent of a parent of an employee.
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When an employee or a member of the employee's family has been a victim of domestic violence, sexual
assault or stalking, the employee may provide any one of the following documents or any combination
thereof,to verify the use of leave:
a. A written statement that the employee, or a member of the employee's family, is a victim of
domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and that the leave was taken to address related
issues.
b. A police report indicating that the employee or a member of the employee's family was a victim
of domestic violence.
c. Evidence from a court or prosecuting attorney showing that the employee or a member of the
employee's family appeared, or is scheduled to appear, in court in connection with an incident of
domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
d. A court order of protection.
e. Documentation from any of the following persons from whom an employee or a member of the
employee's family sought assistance in addressing the domestic violence situation indicating that
the employee or a member of the employee's family is a victim:
1. An advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
2. An attorney.
3. A member of the clergy; or
4. A medical professional.
7.3 Leave without Pay
The Elected Official or Department Head may grant leaves of absence without pay,or authorize a reduced
work schedule, for absence from work not covered by any other type of leave or if other leave balances
are exhausted.As appropriate for the type of leave requested, paid leave accruals will be utilized prior to
unpaid leave, unless Washington Paid Family Medical Leave is utilized. Examples of situations for which
leave without pay,or a reduced work schedule may be granted include time off work for personal reasons,
such as prolonged illness, parenting, caring for an ill relative,or pursuing an education.Such leave will not
normally exceed ninety(90) days.
Leave of absence without pay is not credible towards service/seniority date and service/seniority benefits,
except for legally protected leave, such as FMLA or military leave.The County shall adjust the employees'
service/seniority date to reflect any period of unpaid leave for the purposes of vacation accrual, longevity,
and step increases. Step increases are based on the anniversary day of pay and will be adjusted
accordingly. In the unlikely event an employee was granted leave without pay during their probationary
period, the probationary period shall be extended for the same duration as the leave without pay.
7.4 Jury and Witness Leave
Jury Duty: The County provides all employees leave for jury service. Regular full-time and part-time
employees receive paid jury duty leave each time they are called for jury service. Payment provided by
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the courts during periods of paid jury duty leave must be paid over to the County, excluding expense
reimbursements, such as mileage. Employees must provide their supervisor with a copy of the jury duty
summons as soon as possible after receiving it. Upon completion of jury duty, employees are required to
provide their supervisor with proof of jury service. Employees who have been released by the court during
their period of jury duty service may be required to report to work.
Witness Duty:All employees summoned to testify in court are allowed time off for the period they serve
as witnesses. If employees are paid by the County for time testifying, payment provided by the courts
during periods of paid witness duty must be paid over to the County,excluding expense reimbursements,
such as mileage. In general, witness duty leave is paid unless the employee is a party in the case.
7.5 Administrative Leave
On a case-by-case basis,the County may place an employee on administrative leave with or without pay
for an indefinite period. As determined by the Elected Official, and/or Department Head in conjunction
with Human Resources, administrative leave may be used in the best interests of the County during the
pendency of an investigation or other administrative proceeding.
7.6 Military Leave
Based on RCW 38.40.060, the County provides all employees leave while performing military service in
accordance with federal and state law. Regular full-time and part-time employees receive paid military
leave of up to 21 working days per year for military service. In general, if military service extends beyond
21 working days, the additional leave will be unpaid. All employees who are not eligible for paid military
leave are provided unpaid leave for a period of their military service. Military service includes active
military duty and Reserve or National Guard training. Employees are required to provide their supervisor
with copies of the military orders as soon as possible after they are received. Reinstatement upon return
from military service will be determined in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
7.8 Bereavement Leave
The County provides regular, full-time, and part-time employees with paid bereavement leave for up to
three (3) days in the event of the death of an immediate family member. Two (2) additional days
chargeable to accrued sick leave will be granted at the request of the employee. Immediate family for
purposes of bereavement leave includes only the employee's spouse, parent, grandparent, child,
grandchild, sister, brother, grandmother-in-law, grandfather-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-
in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, aunt, uncle, nephew, or niece.
7.7 Family and Medical Leave Act
The County complies with the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993 and all applicable
state laws related to family and medical leave. The FMLA provides up to twelve(12)weeks of unpaid,job-
protected leave every twelve (12) months to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons.
Eligibility: Employees must have worked for the County for at least one (1) year, and for one-thousand
two hundred and fifty hours (1,250) hours over the previous twelve (12) months.
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Availability Determination: For purposes of calculating leave availability,the twelve (12) month period is
a rolling twelve (12) month period measured backwards from the first date the employee used any FMLA
leave.
FMLA leave is granted for any of the following reasons:
a.To care for an employee's child after birth or placement for adoption or foster case.
b.To care for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent who has a serious health condition.
c. For an employee's own serious health condition.
Leave to care for a child after birth or placement for adoption or foster care must be concluded within
twelve (12) months of the birth or placement.
Under such circumstances as allowed by law, FMLA leave may be taken intermittently;which means taking
leave in blocks of time, or by reducing a normal weekly or daily work schedule.
Leave Related to Pregnancy: If an employee takes leave for the disability phase of pregnancy or childbirth
while physically unable to work, this time could be counted against the annual twelve (12) week FMLA
leave allowance.
Employees are entitled to unpaid leave for the full period of a physical disability resulting from pregnancy
and childbirth, even if they are disabled for more than twelve (12) weeks, and even if they don't qualify
for leave under the federal law.
7.7.2 Advance Notice and Medical Certification
Employees are required to provide advance leave notice,with medical certification, of the need for leave
related to a health condition,and with medical certification of fitness to return to duty after medical leave.
Taking leave, or reinstatement after leave, may be denied if these requirements are not met.
Employees are required to provide a medical certification to support a request for leave because of serious
health conditions (own, child's, spouse's, or parent's) whenever the leave is expected to extend beyond
five (5) consecutive working days or will involve intermittent or part-time leave.The County may require
second or third opinions, at their option, at the County's expense.
The County may require the employee to provide a medical certification of fitness for duty to return to
work after medical leave.
7.7.1 Substitution for Un-Paid Leave
Employees may use either vacation or sick leave for FMLA. All applicable leave balances must be
exhausted prior to taking leave without pay, unless Washington Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) is
utilized.
Employees using PFML for an FMLA qualifying purpose, it is the County's policy to designate PFML as
counting against the employee's FMLA leave allowance. Employees are required to notify the County of
applying and using paid leave for a reason covered by the FMLA so the leave may be properly accounted
for.
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7.7.3 Reporting
When employees are on approved protected leave, they will remain responsible for timesheet
submission. Employees should work with management to establish a plan to do so in accordance with
Financial Services—Payroll's "Payroll Calendar with Holidays".
The County may require employee reporting at least every two (2) weeks on the status and intent to
return to work for employees who take leave for more than two (2) weeks.
7.7.4 Health Insurance during FMLA
When employees are covered by the group health plan (medical, dental or vision), as required by law,the
County will continue to provide paid health insurance during protected leave on the same basis as during
regular employment. Employees will remain responsible for all employee premium associated with
coverage.
When employees do not return to work after the leave, they may be required to pay back the County's
portion of the insurance premiums unless failure to return is beyond the employee's control.
7.7.5 Other Insurance
If an employee is covered by other insurance plans through the County, such as life insurance, those
coverages will continue during leave on the same basis as during regular employment when the employee
is using accrued leave for time missed. When employees take unpaid FMLA leave (e.g. approved PFML),
they will be responsible during the leave for the employee premiums normally paid.
7.7.6 FMLA for Couples Employed
If spouses or domestic partners work for the County and request leave for the birth, adoption, or foster
care placement of a child,to care for a new child, or to care for a sick parent,the total annual FMLA leave
available to the couple for those purposes is typically twelve (12)weeks.
7.9 Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Act
Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is established under Title 50A RCW and
administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). The County agrees to
comply with all applicable provisions of state law governing PFML eligibility, benefits, and employment
protection. PFML is a mandatory statewide program that provides eligible employees with job protected
partially paid time off for qualifying family or medical reasons.
Mason County is prohibited from discriminating against or retaliating against employees for requesting or
taking paid family and medical leave.
Effective December 31, 2019, the County removed the Shared Leave Program based on the
implementation of PFML.
7.9.1 PFML Eligibility, Use and Health Insurance
Employees are eligible for family and medical leave benefits as provided after working eight hundred
twenty(820) hours in employment during the qualifying period.All paid work over the course of the year
counts toward the 820 hours, including part-time, seasonal and temporary work with other employers.
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For qualifying employees,this program will allow them to take up to twelve(12)weeks,as needed, if they:
a. Welcome a child into the family(through birth, adoption, or foster placement).
b. Experience a serious illness or injury.
c. Need to care for a seriously ill or injured relative.
d. Need time to prepare for a family member's pre- and post-deployment activities, as well as time for
childcare issues related to a family member's military deployment.
If an employee faces multiple events in a year, they may be eligible to receive up to sixteen (16) weeks,
and up to eighteen (18)weeks if they experience a serious health condition during pregnancy that results
in incapacity.
The County will continue to provide paid health insurance during protected leave on the same basis as
during regular employment. Employees will remain responsible for any employee premium associated
with coverage.
7.9.2 Returning from PFML Leave
Employees who return from leave under this law will be restored to a same or equivalent job if qualified
under PFML.
7.9.3 PFML Premiums
The program is funded by premiums paid by both employees and the County. By statute, the premium
rates are determined and adjusted by the state of Washington based on premiums contributed and
benefits paid during the previous year.
Additional information regarding eligibility, benefits, premiums and job protection requirements is
available at paidleave.wa.gov.
7.10 Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act "WA Cares" Compliance
Mason County and employees will comply with the Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act per RCW
50B.04.080.
7.11 Holidays
The following are recognized as paid holidays for all non-represented full-time and part-time employees:
Holiday Day Observed
New Year's Day January 1
Martin Luther King's Birthday 3rd Monday in January
President's Day 3rd Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Juneteenth June 19
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Monday in September
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Veteran's Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thursday in November
Day after Thanksgiving Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve Day December 24
Christmas Day December 25
(2) Floating Holidays As scheduled with supervisor
Holidays falling on Saturday will be celebrated on the preceding Friday. Holidays falling on Sunday will be
celebrated on the following Monday.
For any holiday to be paid, an employee must be in a paid status on the employee's scheduled workday
before and after the holiday.
Employees shall be paid no more than eight (8) hours of holiday benefit pay for that day regardless of
their individual work schedule. Non-exempt full-time or part-time employees will be given equivalent time
off for any time worked on a holiday. Such work on a holiday must be pre-authorized by the supervisor.
The use of floating holiday is to be at the discretion of the employee with the approval from their
supervisor in advance of the absence. Floating holiday(s) must be used by December 15th, or will be
forfeited, unless denied the use based on staffing needs by the County. Floating holidays shall be used in
whole hour increments. Extra help, seasonal and on-call positions are ineligible for floating holidays.
Christmas Eve Day may be taken off based on the operational needs of the County, and if this cannot be
accommodated, the employee will schedule an alternate date within the month of December with their
supervisor's approval.
7.12 Holidays for Reasons of Faith or Conscience
Employees are entitled to two (2) unpaid holidays per calendar year for a reason of faith or conscience or
an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious
organization, as pursuant to RCW 1.16.050(3).
The employee may select the days of the two (2) unpaid holidays off with their supervisor's approval. The
unpaid holiday may be compensated through utilization of vacation or comp time or by making alternative
work schedule arrangements and following the department's process to request approval and scheduling
time off. Such requests shall not be unreasonably denied unless the absence would unduly disrupt
operations, impose an undue hardship, or the employee is necessary to maintain public safety.
The two (2) holidays allowed by this section must be taken during the calendar year, if at all;they do not
carry over from one (1)year to the next.
7.14 Temporary Modified-Duty Assignments
Mason County may identify temporary modified-duty assignments for employees who have an injury or
medical condition resulting in temporary work modifications or restrictions. A temporary assignment
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allows the employee to work while providing the County with a productive employee during the
temporary period.
Priority consideration for temporary modified duty assignments will be given to employees with work-
related injuries or illnesses that are temporary in nature. No position shall be created or maintained as a
temporary modified-duty assignment.
Temporary modified-duty assignments are a management right. The availability of temporary modified-
duty assignments will be determined on a case-by-case basis, consistent with County operational needs.
Temporary modified-duty assignments are subject to continuous reassessment,with consideration given
to operational needs and the employee's ability to perform in a modified-duty assignment.
Temporary modified-duty assignments shall generally not exceed a cumulative total of one-thousand and
forty (1,040) hours in a one (1)year period.
7.14.1 Fit-for-Duty
The Department Head or Elected may, at employer expense, require the employee to participate in a fit-
for-duty evaluation(s)conducted by a medical professional of the County's choice.A fit-for-duty valuation
may occur before the one thousand and forty hours (1,040) hours in some circumstances, but it will be
required in all instances where modified-duty more than one thousand and forty hours (1,040) is
requested by the employee.
The evaluation will be for the purpose of determining any or all the following:
a. If the employee is currently capable of safely performing their job as outlined in the job description.
b. If the employee is currently capable of performing a temporary-modified duty assignment and the
limitations that may apply.
c. The anticipated duration of modified duty is needed before the employee will be able to safely
perform their duties as outlined in the job description.
d. Once released to regular duty, any anticipated accommodation needed for the employee to perform
their duties as outlined in the job description.
e. If the medical professional believes the employee is not, and will not, be capable of performing their
duties as outlined in the job description.
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f. Any other factors relevant to determining the employee's overall fitness to perform their duties as
outlined in the job description.
Prior to returning to full-duty, employees shall be required to provide certification from their medical
professional stating they are medically cleared to perform the essential functions of their jobs without
restrictions or limitations.
Fitness for Duty Certification—Release to Work form may be found on the Human Resources forms page
or the Intranet: https://masoncountywa.gov/departments/human resources/forms.php).
7.14.2 Modified-Duty Requests
Employees seeking a temporary modified-duty assignment should submit a written request to their
Department Head or Elected. The request should, as applicable, include a certification from the treating
medical professional containing:
a. An assessment of the nature and probable duration of the illness or injury.
b. The prognosis for recovery.
c. The nature and scope of limitations and/or work restrictions.
d. A statement regarding any required workplace accommodation.
e. A statement that the employee can safely perform the duties of the temporary modified-duty
assignment.
The Department Head or Elected will decide if temporary modified-duty assignments are available based
on the needs of the County and the limitations of the employee.
7.14.3 Employee Responsibilities
The responsibilities of employees assigned to temporary modified duty shall include, but are not limited
to:
a. Communicating and coordinating any required medical appointments in advance with their
supervisors.
b. Promptly notifying their supervisors of any change in restrictions or limitations after each
appointment with their treating medical professional.
c. Communicate a status update to their supervisor no less than once every thirty (30) days while
assigned to temporary modified duty.
d. Submitting a written status report to the Department Head or Elected with the anticipated date of
return to full-duty when a temporary modified-duty assignment extends beyond sixty(60) days.
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7.14.4 Supervisor Responsibilities
The employee's immediate supervisor shall monitor and manage the work schedule of those assigned to
temporary modified-duty.These responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
a. Periodically updating the Department Head or Elected of the status of the performance of employees
assigned to temporary modified duty.
b. Notifying the Department Head or Elected and ensuring the required documentation facilitating
return to full duty is received from the employee.
c. Ensuring that employees returning to full duty have completed any required training and/or
certification.
7.14.5 Probationary Employees
Probationary employees assigned to a temporary modified-duty assignment shall have their probation
extended by a period equal to their assignment to temporary modified-duty.
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Chapter 8 — Employee Responsibilities and Conduct
8.1 General Code of Conduct
All County employees are expected to represent the County to the public in a professional manner which
is courteous, efficient,and helpful. Employees must maintain a clean and neat appearance appropriate to
their work assignment, as determined by their position and Elected Official or Department Head. This
policy shall be applicable to all employees and officials of the County. (Elected Officials and qualifying
Public Officials refer to RCW 42.23 and 42.52.)
Since the proper working relationship between employees and the County depends on each employee's
on-going job performance, professional conduct and behavior, the County has established certain
minimum standards of personal conduct.
Among the County's expectations are: Basic tact and courtesy towards the public and fellow employees;
adherence to County policies, procedures, processes, safety rules and safe work practices; compliance
with directions from supervisors; preserving and protecting the County's equipment, grounds, facilities,
and resources; and providing orderly and cost-efficient services to its citizens.
The County is a relatively small organization. To function as efficiently as possible, employees may be
asked to perform duties outside their regular assignments. It is no reflection of an employee's worth to
the County, but a necessary arrangement in small organizations.
To make the most efficient use of personnel,the County also reserves the right to change an employee's
work conditions and the duties originally assigned. If these arrangements become necessary, employee
cooperation is expected.
8.2 Ethics
It is the policy of Mason County to require its employees to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct
in the performance of their duties and to refrain from conduct that is unbecoming of a County official or
employee.
An employee's actions under this policy are significant indications of the individual's judgment and
competence.Taking part in improper activities that could damage the County's reputation and otherwise
result in serious adverse consequences to the County and to the individuals involved are subject to
disciplinary action.Accordingly, insensitivity to or disregard of the principles of this policy will be grounds
for appropriate disciplinary action. A county employee who knowingly makes a misleading or false claim
of unethical behavior may also be subject to disciplinary action.
Every County employee at every level is responsible for upholding these ethics. If you have witnessed or
suspect there has been a violation of this policy it is your responsibility to report it to your supervisor or
Human Resources.
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Under this policy County officials and employees are prohibited from:
a. Using their authority as county employees for private or personal gain or benefit.
b. Engaging in any action or conduct that conflicts or appears to conflict with the performance of
their duties.
c. Give improper advantage or treatment to any person or entity.
d. Fail to properly carry out their duties.
e. Solicit or accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from any source except as
outlined by RCW 42.23.070.
8.3 Conflict of Interest
While it is not possible to develop a comprehensive detailed set of rules to cover every situation, Mason
County does adhere to and will strictly enforce any and all state laws or regulations relating to conflicts of
interest, the appearance of fairness and ethics that are applicable to the employees and officials of this
County.The statutes provide detailed outlines of what constitutes ethical and appropriate behavior while
employed with the County.
If an employee or someone,with whom the employee has a close personal relationship, has a financial or
employment relationship with a vendor, potential vendor,or any person or business entity doing business
or wishing to do business with the County, then the employee has an interest, in such circumstances the
employee is considered to have an interest that mandates disclosure of that interest.
For purposes of this policy, an employee shall be deemed to have an interest in the affairs of:
a. The employee's spouse or domestic partner, or dependent children
b. Any person or business entity with which a contractual relationship exists with the employee
c. Any business entity in which the employee is an officer, director, member or employee
d. Any business entity in which the employee owns or controls an interest either directly or
indirectly.
The employee must disclose this "interest" in writing to their Departmental Director. The Departmental
Director with the help of the County Administrator and the Human Resources Director will determine
what course of action, if any, must be taken to resolve any conflict he or she believes may exist.
8.4 Outside Employment and Conflicts of Interest
Employees shall not, directly, or indirectly, engage in any outside employment or financial interest which
may conflict, in the County's opinion, with the best interests of the County or interfere with the
employee's ability to perform their assigned County job. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited
to, outside employment which:
a. Prevents the employee from being available for work beyond normal working hours, such as
emergencies or peak work periods,when such availability is a regular part of the employee's job.
b. Is conducted during the employee's work hours.
c. Utilizes County telephones, computers, supplies, or any other resources,facilities, or equipment.
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d. Is employment with a firm which has contracts with or does business with the County; or
e. May reasonably be perceived by members of the public as a conflict of interest or otherwise
discredits public service.
Employees considering or engaged in an additional job, contractual commitment, or self- employment,
who are concerned about a conflict of interest should discuss the matter with their Elected Official or
Department Head. Employees may engage in outside employment after obtaining prior written approval
from their Employing Official.
8.5 Workplace Safety and Violence Prevention
This policy is intended to ensure that all employees adhere to work practices designed to make the
workplace more secure and to refrain from verbal threats or physical actions which may create a safety
or security hazard for others in the workplace.
The safety and security of the employees of Mason County and members of the public seeking or receiving
County services or using County facilities is of the utmost importance. Any prohibited acts committed by
employees or members of the public while on premises owned or leased or work sites otherwise occupied
by Mason County will be prosecuted as appropriate and/or will cause the use of appropriate managerial,
administrative, or disciplinary measures.
8.5.lDefinitions
Unsafe Act: Includes but is not limited to, any deliberate act or behavior which jeopardizes the safety or
security of oneself, another person, or County property; or failure to act, where there is a duty to act
and/or take safety precautions or where such failure would reasonably be known to jeopardize the safety
or security of oneself, another person or County property. An unsafe act may include physical contact,
such as "horseplay" and is prohibited,whether an injury, safety violation, or actual harm results.
Acts of Violence: Includes but is not limited to, any deliberate act or behavior which:
a. Results in a physical assault against a person such as hitting, pushing, kicking, holding/restraining,
spitting on, or blocking the movement of another person.
b. Constitutes a directly or indirectly communicated or reasonably perceived threat to cause harm,
injury, or intimidate another individual.
c. Endangers the safety of oneself or another individual, whether an injury result.
d. Would be reasonably perceived to constitute a threat of inflicting physical harm which in any way
interferes with a person's safety or consists of a directly or indirectly communicated or perceived
threat to destroy property using a weapon, a firearm, or other means.
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e. Would constitute the violation of a protective or restraining order which lists County locations as
being protected areas; or
f. Interference with the orderly conduct of Mason County operations.
An unsafe act and/or act of violence does not include communicated direction by a supervisor to require
appropriate performance on the job, the imposition of disciplinary action, or warnings that discipline
could occur; or law enforcement employees acting within the scope and authority of their position.
Workplace: Any building or areas constituting the place where work is performed or assigned; common
areas such as reception areas, halls and private or personal work areas; and any other area where
employees engage in official County business,including field locations,County parking lots,vehicles either
employer owned or leased or privately owned when used on County business.
Member of the Public: Any person who has no legitimate employment-related relationship with the
County, including: strangers who have no legitimate business relationship with the County; customers or
clients who currently or previously have received services from the County or who have or have had a
custodial relationship with the County including inmates, criminal suspects or prisoners; and individuals
who have or had personal relationships with County employees such as a current or former spouse, lover,
relative, friend or acquaintance.
8.5.2 Responsibilities
County employees shall not commit an unsafe act and/or act of violence and employees shall be
responsible for reporting any unsafe act and/or act of violence in the workplace, whether physical injury
occurs. Employees who believe an unsafe act and/or act of violence has occurred, observe, or are
informed of such an act, shall immediately notify their supervisor, department head or management
representative. Insofar as possible, any report of an unsafe act and/or act of violence shall include the
name of the reporting party, the date, time, and place of the act; the name or identity of the person
alleged to have committed the act; a description of the act; and the names of any witnesses.
All employees, including managers and supervisors, are responsible for using safe work practices, for
following all directives, policies, and procedures, and for assisting in maintaining a safe and secure work
environment.
a. Employee Responsibilities
i. Imminent Threat or Act of Violence
1. Employees shall take the following steps if a threat of violence or act of violence presents an
imminent danger to safety:
2. Immediately leave the area putting as much distance between themselves and the threat as
possible.
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3. Tell others to leave as the area is evacuated.
4. Call 911 and report the threat/emergency as soon as it is safe.
5. Provide 911 with identification and the nature and location of the threat/emergency.
6. Follow all directions from law enforcement.
ii. Threat or Unsafe Act
1. Employees shall take the following steps if a threat or unsafe act does not present an
imminent danger to safety:
2. Notify their supervisor as soon as possible; and
3. Complete a county incident report form (Incident Report Form) which can be found on the
Risk Management website.
iii. Employees who obtain a protective or restraining order which lists County locations as being
protected areas or which prohibits contact with the employee while at work,shall immediately advise
their supervisor, department head or management representative and provide a copy of the order
granted and a description of the person identified in the order.
iv. Report personal safety concerns or violations of County policy to a supervisor, manager, or
department head.
v. Immediately notify a member of management if there is reason to believe they may become or are
victim of unsafe acts, threats, or acts of violence in the workplace.
Under no circumstances should employees put themselves at risk in a dangerous situation. Once the
situation has been secured by proper authorities, employees shall then cooperate with supervisors,
investigators, law enforcement personnel and any others as they conduct follow-up reviews of the
incident.
b. Department Heads, Managers and Supervisors' Responsibilities
i. Provide this policy and educational opportunities to their employees about workplace safety and
violence prevention and make workplace safety and violence prevention training and education
programs available to all employees.
ii. Immediately notify the Human Resources Department and their appropriate management of any
incidents involving unsafe acts and/or acts of violence.
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iii. Address employee workplace safety concerns and ensure that such concerns are investigated. Safety
concerns, and any other situation where an employee has been subjected to or threatened with an
unsafe act and/or an act of violence, should be reported to Human Resources
iv. Take immediate steps to diffuse or mitigate any situation that has potential to escalate into an unsafe
act and/or an act of violence.
v. Forward a copy of the protective or restraining order to the Human Resources Department.
vi. Notify appropriate law enforcement agencies about persons who violate a granted protective or
restraining order and require the violator to leave the premises immediately.
b. Human Resources Department Responsibilities:
i. Assess and investigate all alleged unsafe acts and/or acts of workplace violence as may be appropriate.
ii. Provide or make available appropriate training and education about workplace safety and violence
prevention, how to identify potentially unsafe acts and/or violent situations, and how to deal with
them.
iii. Maintain confidentiality of complaints and concerns to the extent allowed by law.
iv. Receive and investigate all reports of unsafe acts and/or acts of workplace violence, or threats of the
same, made by a county employee.
v. Recommend to the Department Head what, if any, administrative or disciplinary action should be
taken when an employee is found to have committed an unsafe act and/or an act of violence.
vi. Upon completion of any investigation, notify employees affected by the unsafe act and/or act of
violence or threat of the same that the matter has been concluded, and that appropriate action has
or will be taken.
8.6 Reporting Improper Governmental Action
In compliance with the Local Government Employee Whistleblower Protection Act, RCW 42.41.050, this
policy is created to encourage employees to disclose in good faith, improper governmental action taken
by County officials or employees without fear of retaliation. This policy also safeguards legitimate
employer interests by encouraging complaints to be made first to the County,with a process provided for
speedy dispute resolution.
8.6.1 Definitions
Improper Governmental Action: any action by a County Officer or employee that is:
a. undertaken in the performance of the official's or employee's official duties, whether the action
is within the scope of the employee's employment, and
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b. in violation of any federal, state, or local law or rule, is abuse of authority, is of substantial and
specific danger to the public health or safety or is a gross waste of public funds.
"Improper governmental action" does not include personnel actions including but not limited to
employee grievances, complaints, appointments, promotions, transfers, assignments, reassignments,
reinstatements, restorations, reemployment, performance evaluations, reductions in pay, dismissals,
suspensions, reprimands, demotions, violations of the local government collective bargaining and civil
service laws, alleged labor agreement violations or any action that may be taken under RCW Chapter
41.14 or 41.56.
Retaliatory Action: means any(a) adverse change in a local governments employee's employment status,
or the terms and conditions of employment including denial of adequate staff to perform duties,frequent
staff changes, frequent and undesirable office changes, refusal to assign meaningful work, unwarranted
and unsubstantiated letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations, demotion,transfer,
reassignment, reduction in pay, denial of promotion, suspension, dismissal or any other disciplinary
actions; or (b) hostile actions by other employees toward a local government employee that were
encouraged by a supervisor or senior manager or official.
Emergency: a circumstance that if not immediately changed may cause damage to people or property.
8.6.2 Procedure for Reporting Improper Government Action
County employees who become aware of improper governmental action shall follow this procedure:
a. Bring the matter to the attention of the BOCC or the Prosecuting Attorney, preferably in writing,
stating in detail the basis for the employee's belief that an improper action has occurred. This
shall be done as soon as the employee becomes aware of the improper action.
b. The BOCC or the Prosecuting Attorney, or their designee, shall respond to the report of improper
government action, within thirty (30) days of the employee's report. The employee shall be
advised of the County's response.
c. The identity of a reporting employee shall be kept confidential to the extent possible under the
law unless the employee authorizes the disclosure of their identity in writing.
An employee who fails to make a good faith effort to follow this policy shall not be entitled to the
protection of this policy against retaliation, pursuant to RCW 42.41.030.
In the case of an emergency,where the employee believes that damage to persons or property may result
if action is not taken immediately, the employee may bypass the above procedure and report the
improper action directly to the appropriate government agency responsible for investigating the improper
action.
Employees may report information about improper governmental action directly to an outside agency if
the employee reasonably believes that an adequate investigation was not undertaken by the County to
determine whether an improper government action occurred,or that insufficient action was taken by the
County to address the improper action or that for other reasons improper action is likely to recur.
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Protection Against Retaliation: It is unlawful for a local government to take retaliatory action because an
employee, in good faith, provided information that improper government action occurred. Employees
who believe they have been retaliated against for reporting an improper government action shall follow
the procedure outlined below.
8.6.3 Procedure for Seeking Relief Against Retaliation
a. Employees shall provide a written complaint to the BOCC within thirty(30)days of the occurrence
of the alleged retaliatory action.
I. The written charge shall specify the alleged retaliatory action; and
II. Specifies the relief requested.
b. The BOCC or their designee shall respond in writing within thirty(30)days of receipt of the written
charge.
c. After receiving the County's response, the employee may request a hearing before a state
administrative law judge to establish that a retaliatory action occurred and to obtain appropriate
relief under the law.The request for hearing must be delivered within the earlier of either fifteen
(15) days of receipt of the County's response to the charge of retaliatory action or forty-five (45)
days of receipt of the charge of retaliation to the BOCC for response.
d. Within five (5)working days of receipt of a request for hearing the County shall apply to the State
Office of Administrative Hearing's for an adjudicative proceeding before an administrative law
judge. At the hearing, the employee must prove that a retaliatory action occurred by a
preponderance of the evidence in the hearing. The administrative law judge shall issue a final
decision not later than forty-five (45) days after the date of the request for hearing unless an
extension is granted.
The final decision of the administrative law judge is subject to judicial review under the arbitrary and
capricious standard. Relief ordered by the administrative law judge may be enforced by petition to
superior court.
8.464 Policy Implementation
The BOCC are responsible for implementing these policies and procedures.This includes posting the policy
on County bulletin boards, making the policy available to any employee upon request, and providing the
policy to all newly hired employees. Officers, managers, and supervisors are responsible for ensuring the
procedures are fully implemented within their areas of responsibility.
8.465 Prohibition of Intimidation and Nondisclosure
County Elected Officials or employees may not use their official authority or influence,directly or indirectly
to threaten, intimidate, or coerce an employee for the purpose of interfering with that employee's right
to disclose information concerning an improper governmental action in accordance with the provisions of
this policy.
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8.7 Political Activities
County employees may participate in political or partisan activities of their choosing if County resources
and property are not utilized, and the activity does not adversely affect the responsibilities of the
employees in their positions. employees may not campaign on County time or in a county uniform or
while representing the County in any way.
Any County employee who meets with or may be observed by the public or otherwise represents the
County to the public, while performing their regular duties, may not wear or display any button, badge,
or sticker relevant to any candidate or ballot issue during working hours. Employees shall not solicit, on
County property or County time, for a contribution to a partisan political cause.
8.8 No Smoking Policy
To protect health and safety, smoking and vaping are prohibited in all County-owned,
leased, or operated areas, including buildings, vehicles, and facilities. These restrictions
apply to all public areas such as hallways, restrooms, lobbies, and any spaces accessed
during employment. "Smoking" includes the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing
tobacco, and electronic smoking devices. "Vaping" includes inhaling vapor from
electronic devices such as e-cigarettes and similar products. "County property" refers to
building grounds, parking lots, and parks, but excludes private vehicles, residences
(unless under contract), County roads, and public sidewalks or rights-of-way.
8.9Personal Possessions and Electronic Communications Should
The County furnishes desks, closets, and/or lockers for security of employee coats, purses, and other
personal possessions. Desks, closets, lockers,cabinets, and furniture are County property for the purpose
of County operations.
The County also furnishes computers,voice mail,facsimile(fax)communications,electronic mail (E-Mail),
data and file transfers using electronic means and Internet access for use in conducting County business
only.
Because these systems are for County business, none of the communications or information transmitted
or stored on these systems is private and may be reviewed by the County and be subject to public
disclosure. County electronic communications systems are not for personal use.
8.10 Use of County Equipment
Use of County phones for local personal phone calls should be kept to a minimum; long-distance personal
use must be approved in advance by the Elected Official or Department Head. Other County equipment,
including vehicles, should be used by employees for County business only. An employee's misuse of
County services, telephones, vehicles, equipment, or supplies can result in disciplinary action including
termination.
8.11 Bulletin Boards
Information of special interest to all employees is posted regularly on the County bulletin boards.
Employees may not post any information on these bulletin boards without the authorization of their
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Elected Official or Department Head. Legally required notices shall not be covered or obscured by other
materials on any bulletin board.
8.12 Contact with the News Media
The BOCC, Elected Officials or Department Heads authorized by the Board shall be responsible for all
official contacts with the news media, including answering questions from the media.They may designate
specific employees to give out procedural, factual, or historical information on subjects. Employees not
designated should refer media personnel to an appropriate spokesperson.
8.13 Solicitations
Most forms of selling and solicitations are inappropriate in the workplace. They can be an intrusion on
employees and citizens and may present a risk to employee safety or to the security of County or
employee property.The following limitations apply:
a. People not employed by the County may not solicit, survey, petition, or distribute literature on our
premises at any time.This includes people soliciting charities, salespersons, questionnaire surveyors,
or any other solicitor or distributor. Exceptions to this rule may be made in special circumstances
where the County determines that an exception would serve the best interests of the organization
and our employees. An example of an exception might be the United Way campaign or a similar,
community-based fundraising effort.
b. Employees may not solicit for any purpose during work time. Reasonable forms of solicitation are
permitted during non-work time, such as before or after work, during meal breaks, and/or break
periods. Soliciting employees who are on non-work time may not solicit other employees who are on
work time. Employees may not distribute literature for any purpose during work time or in work areas.
The employee lunchrooms are considered a non-work area under this policy.
8.14 Safety
Every employee is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment and following the County's safety
rules. Each employee shall promptly report all unsafe or potentially hazardous conditions to their Elected
Official or Department Head.The County will make every effort to remedy problems as quickly as possible.
In case of an accident involving a personal injury, regardless of how serious, employees shall immediately
notify their supervisor and complete an accident/incident report.
Employee safety depends on the safety consciousness of everyone.To facilitate a safe work environment,
employees may not bring dangerous weapons to the workplace. This includes, but is not limited to,
weapons for which employees have a valid permit. The only exception to this rule involves law
enforcement positions for which the job requires possession of dangerous weapons.
Employees should consult the County's Safety Policy and Accident Prevention Program for additional
details concerning safety.
8.15 Substance Abuse
The County's philosophy on substance abuse has two focuses: (1) a concern for the well-being of the
employee and (2) a concern for the safety of other employees and members of the public.
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Availability of Rehabilitation or Treatment: As part of our Employee Assistance Program, we encourage
employees who are concerned about their alcohol or drug use to seek counseling, treatment, and
rehabilitation.Although the decision to seek diagnosis and accept treatment is completely voluntary,the
County is fully committed to helping employees who voluntarily come forward overcome substance abuse
problems. In most cases, the expense of treatment may be fully or partially covered by the County's
benefit program. Please contact our EAP or Human Resources for more information. Employees who seek
advice or treatment will not be subject to retaliation or discrimination.
Substance Abuse Policy for Operators of Commercial Motor Vehicles: County employees who hold
Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) and who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) while employed
by the County are subject to additional rules and regulations imposed by the federal government. These
regulations require urine drug testing and alcohol breath testing in the following circumstances:
a. Pre-employment.
b. Reasonable suspicion.
c. Post-accident.
d. Return to duty testing.
e. Random testing.
CDL holders who test positive must be removed from service and are subject to disciplinary action, up to
and including termination. CDL holders should consult the Mason County Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
and Procedure for Department of Transportation Regulated Employees for additional details concerning
these rules.
Drug-Free Workplace: The manufacturing, distribution, dispensation, possession, and use of unlawful
substances or alcohol on County premises or during work hours by County employees is strictly prohibited.
Employees also must notify the County within five (5) days of any conviction for a drug violation in the
workplace. Employees should consult the Drug-Free Workplace Policy for additional details on this
subject.
8.16 Using Position for Personal Gain
No County employee will use their position with Mason County for personal gain from any source.
Personal gain is receiving any money,item,or benefit for personal use,which is not available to the public.
Exception: Nominal value items ($10.00 or less) with company logos, given for advertising purposes such
as samples, pens,calendars,coffee cups and ball caps are acceptable. Requesting,or knowingly accepting,
discounts on purchases, tickets, meals,travel, clothing, etc.,for personal use is not acceptable.
Threats or promises of future business or lack of future business with the County to influence personal
business will be referred to the Prosecuting Attorney.
8.17 Performance Evaluations
The purpose of performance evaluation is to help an employee be successful in performance and to
understand the standards and goals of their position and department.The evaluation will assess and focus
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on the employee's accomplishment of their job functions and goals and standards of the position. Where
an employee struggles in their performance a plan for correction and training should be developed with
the employee.
All regular employees should be formally evaluated in writing by their immediate supervisor and/or
Department head or designee during the probationary or trial service period and at least annually
thereafter. Copies of evaluations will be given to the employee and forwarded to HR for inclusion in the
personnel file.
Additionally, evaluation of job performance may occur at any time and on an ongoing basis. Evaluation
may occur in various ways and may include coaching, counseling, or written assessment.
8.18 Discipline/Corrective Action
The intent of progressive discipline is to assist the employee with performance improvement or to correct
misconduct. Progressive discipline may not apply where the offense requires more serious discipline in
the first instance. Both the sequence and the steps of progressive discipline are determined on a case-
by-case basis. Progressive discipline may include:
a. Oral warnings,which will be documented.
b. Written warnings, which may also include work performance improvement or corrective action plan
for poor work performance or misconduct.
c. Suspension without pay.
d. Demotion.
e. Discharge.
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Chapter 9 — Separation
9.1 Layoff
The County may lay off employees for lack of work, budgetary restrictions, reorganization, or other
changes that have taken place.
In determining who is to be laid off, consideration will usually be given to individual performance and the
qualifications required for remaining jobs. Seniority will be considered when performance and
qualifications are equal, as determined by the County. Employees who are laid off may be eligible to be
re-employed for up to one(1)year after layoff if a vacancy occurs in a position for which they are qualified.
9.2 Resignation
An employee should provide two (2) weeks of written notice of resignation to resign in good standing.
Management is requested to give at least 30 days of notice. Employee requests to change their separation
date must be approved by the Department Head and the Human Resources Director.
9.3 Retirement
Employees should provide six (6) months' written notice of resignation. Employee requests to change
their retirement date must be approved by the Department Head and the Human Resources Director.
9.4 Offboarding
Employees separating from the organization shall undergo an offboarding process to mitigate risk and
recover assets. An employee placed on paid/unpaid administrative leave or who is out for an extended
period on Federal Medical Leave may be subject to all or parts of the offboarding process.
Upon separation from employment, the Department Head or designee is responsible for offboarding an
employee using the County Offboarding Checklist. Additional items may be necessary based on
department. Offboarding should occur on the employee's last physical day at their workstation.
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Chapter 10 — Complaint Procedures
10.1 Complaint Procedures
The County recognizes that sometimes situations arise in which employees feel that they have not been
treated in accordance with County policies. For this reason, the County provides its employees with
procedures for resolving complaints.
Step 1: Employees should first attempt to resolve any problem or complaint with their supervisor.
Step 2:When normal communication between an employee and the supervisor is not successful, or when
an employee disagrees with the application of County policies and procedures, the employee should
attempt to resolve the problem with their Elected Official or Department Head. The Elected Official or
Department Head will usually respond to the employee in writing within days after meeting with them, if
possible.
Step 3: If the employee is not satisfied with the response in Step 2 above, the employee may submit the
problem using the County Complaint Form to the BOCC or their designee and Human Resources.
The form must be filed within of receiving a response from Step 2 above.
The BOCC or their designee and Human Resources may meet with the parties, either individually or
together, and will usually respond in writing to the complainant within ten of the meeting. The response
and decision shall be final and binding.
Certain employees may have more than one source of dispute RESOLUTION rights, i.e.,the County's Civil
Service rules, a collective bargaining agreement, etc. Employees represented by a bargaining unit or who
are covered under civil service rules should follow grievance procedures set out in their respective labor
contracts or civil service rules,where applicable. In all other cases,the procedures described in this section
shall be used. Under no circumstances shall an employee have the right to utilize both this process and
any other complaint or appeal procedure that may be available to an employee. Mason County will not
tolerate retaliation in any form against an individual who makes a complaint of discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation, or against any participant in an investigation. Retaliation is a serious violation
of this policy and is considered misconduct subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination
of employment.
Employees will abide by any confidentiality requirements relating to complaints and investigation
procedures.
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Chapter 11 — Educational Assistance
11.1 Introduction
If budgetary considerations permit, the County may reimburse full-time regular employees for education
costs for courses approved by their Elected Official or Department Head.Approval for reimbursement will
be dependent upon the course and its relevance to the employee's current position. Approval must be
obtained prior to commencement of each course per semester.Attendance at all course offerings will be
outside the employee's regular duty schedule.
11.2 Objective
The objective of this policy is to assist employees in furthering their education to enhance current skills
for the benefit of the County and the public.
11.3 Procedures
a. Educational assistance will be authorized only when the budget of the Office or Department contains
sufficient funds to support this policy AND the course of study will be of benefit to the Office or
Department. Access to educational assistance will be solely determined by the Elected Official or
Department Head, as appropriate.
b. Approval will be sought using the Educational Assistance Request form.
c. If approved, reimbursement for coursework relevant to the employee's current position is subject to
the limitations in the paragraphs below. Approval of a course of study by the Elected Official or the
Department Head is required prior to approval of the courses required in that course of study.
Accordingly, the Elected Official or Department Head will review employee applications for
educational assistance on a course-by-course basis.
d. All relevant bachelor's degrees and associate degrees, if the employee does not already have a
bachelor's or associate degree, may, upon approval of the Elected Official or Department Head, be
reimbursed subject to the limitations in , below. This would apply regardless of the position the
employee holds.
e. Certificates or continuing education units (CEU) required for continued certification may be
reimbursed at 100 percent.
f. A second degree directly relevant to the employee's current position as determined by the Elected
Official or Department Head to be in the best interests of the County may be reimbursed subject to
the limitations below, only if: 1)the first degree is not directly applicable to the employee's position;
or, 2) it is an advanced degree in a field of study relevant to the employee's current position.
g. There is no limit to the number of credit hours eligible for reimbursement per semester/quarter.
Employees are encouraged to be prudent in the selection of the number of courses attempted each
semester. Employees must be in paid status when reimbursement is sought. Forthis policy, paid status
is defined as working the employee's regular schedule or on approved vacation leave.
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h. Employees must satisfactorily complete the course work to be considered for reimbursement.
Satisfactory completion is defined as award of a grade of "C" or higher, or the equivalent, in the
coursework for which reimbursement is sought.
i. Reimbursement will be set by the current, lowest tuition rates at either the University of Washington
or Washington State University,whichever institution offers the course of instruction concerned.This
rate will apply to courses of instruction at private universities, correspondence programs, or other
high-cost programs.
j. Initial approval of a course of study does not obligate the County to future/continued approval of
courses in that course of study. Course approvals are only valid for the course and semester/quarter
given.
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Chapter 12 — Equal Employment Opportunity
12.1 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to Elected Officials, Department Heads, employees,
volunteers, and members of the public to ensure equal employment opportunities regardless of a person's
race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran's
status, HIV status, genetic information, families with children, sensory, mental, or physical disability, or
any other protected class under federal or state statute. Additionally, the policy provides guidelines for
identifying, reporting,and resolving claims of discrimination or related retaliation.
12.2 Policy
It is the policy of Mason County that no person shall be subjected to employment discrimination based upon
their race,color,creed, national origin,gender,gender identity,sexual orientation,religion,age,veteran's
status, HIV status, genetic information, families with children, sensory, mental, or physical disability, or
any other protected class under federal or state statute. No individual shall be subjected to retaliation because
they have exercised a right protected under the law such as submitting, assisting with, participating in the
resolution or investigation of,a complaint of discrimination or harassment.Any form of retaliation is prohibited,
will not be tolerated, and is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.The
County will incorporate appropriate non-discrimination language in all its contracts and collective bargaining
agreements. The words "Equal Opportunity Employer" will be included in employment applications and
recruitment materials.
To further promote the BOCC commitment to non-discrimination,the County will conduct periodic training
on the Non-Discrimination & Harassment Policy and to clarify management and employee
responsibilities for effective implementation. This Non-Discrimination & Harassment Policy will be
distributed and reviewed in new employee orientation.
12.3 Prohibition of Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation
Mason County is committed to a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, bullying,and
retaliation. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, and retaliation are strictly prohibited. Complaints of
discrimination,harassment,bullying,and retaliation are taken seriously and will be investigated and resolved in
a timely manner.
12.3.1 Definitions
Discrimination: The County prohibits discrimination against Elected Officials, employees, and volunteers
based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, marital status, veteran status,
sexual orientation, disability (known or perceived), or any other protected class under federal or state
statute.
Harassment: Harassment is a form of discrimination that is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed
toward or relating to a person based on the person's race,color,creed,religion,national origin,ethnicity,age,
sex, marital status,veteran's status,sexual orientation,or disability(known or perceived),where the conduct
is sufficiently pervasive or severe as to alter the terms and conditions of employment.Such conduct can take
many forms, including unwelcome slurs, comments, joking, touching, innuendo, gestures, display or
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transmission of materials, and other similar conduct. Employees who engage in harassment will be subject
to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is a type of harassment that consists of unwelcome verbal or
physical conduct directed toward or relating to a person because of their gender that is sufficiently pervasive
or severe as to alter the terms or conditions of employment. Such conduct can take many forms including
unwelcome slurs,comments,jokes,touching innuendo, repeated request for dates,display or transmission
of materials,gestures,compliments,and other similar conduct.Sexual harassment also includes unwelcome
conduct based on an individual's gender where submission to the conduct or rejection of the conduct is
used as a basis for employment decisions regarding the individual. Employees who engage in sexual
harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Bullying: Repeated and unreasonable behavior directed towards an employee or a group of employees,
creating a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment.
Retaliation:Adverse employment action against employees for complaining in good faith of discrimination,
harassment, or retaliation, or for assisting or participating in an investigation of such complaints. Employees
who engage in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
12.4 Employment of Persons with Disabilities
Mason County is committed to providing equal opportunities for current and potential County employees
with disabilities. Every reasonable effort will be made to create an accessible work environment to the
extent possible without undue hardship to the County. Judgements concerning the reasonableness of
providing accommodation shall be made by the County on a case-by-case basis. It is the County's
responsibility to determine if the proposed accommodation is effective and reasonable. Employment
practices will be administered to allow a person with a disability to participate at the same level as a person
without a disability.
It is the responsibility of the person with the disability to disclose the existence of the disability if reasonable
accommodation is to be requested.
12.5 Employee Responsibilities
Each employee is responsible for supporting and adhering to this policy. It is the responsibility of all County
employees to bring instances of inappropriate behavior to the attention of management. This includes
employees who believe they are the recipient of discriminatory behavior as well as those who believe they have
witnessed such behavior directed at another employee. Employees should never tolerate inappropriate or
harassing behavior. If possible, they should make their feelings known to the offending employee. Whether
they confront the harasser or not, employees must promptly report any offending behavior to their Department
Head, Elected Official, or to the Human Resources Department. Employees are strongly encouraged to report
concerns about discrimination or harassment before behaviors become severe or pervasive.This will assist the
County in its efforts to stop discrimination or harassment before it rises to the level of a violation of anti-
discrimination laws.
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12.6 Supervisor/Manager Responsibilities
When a supervisor, manager, department head or elected official suspects or has reason to believe that
discriminatory, harassing, or inappropriate behavior has occurred,they shall immediately notify the Director of
Human Resources or the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and report the incident.
12.7 County Responsibilities
County Management representatives will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports of discrimination or
harassment. Complaints against either the Human Resources Department or the Prosecuting Attorney's Office
will be investigated by a non-county agency. Complaints of discrimination and harassment will be handled with
sensitivity,discretion,and confidentiality to the extent allowed by the circumstances and the law.
If the County concludes that a violation of this policy occurred,prompt and effective remedial action will be taken.
This may include disciplinary action and/or other actions needed to remedy the effects of the discrimination and
prevent further incidents.
12.8 Complaint Procedures
Employees who feel that they may have been bullied, discriminated against,or sexually harassed,or are aware
of actions against another person that may be in violation of this policy, shall immediately contact either their
immediate supervisor, their department official, or the Human Resources Department. Complaints should be
submitted using the Mason County Internal Discrimination Complaint Form.
If the complaint is reported to the employee's supervisor or department official, they will notify the Human
Resources Department to carry out the investigation.Any person may file a complaint under this policy when the
person believes:
a. They have been the target of discrimination or harassment(including bullying);
b. They have personal and first-hand knowledge of behavior believed to be in violation of this policy;or
c. They are being retaliated against for reporting behavior believed to be in violation of this policy.
The complaint must be filed within one-hundred and eighty(180) days of the alleged violation of this policy.
The complaint should include a description of the alleged violation,the date it occurred,and the name,signature,
address,and phone number of the person filing the complaint.The complaint must include sufficient information
to allow for investigation into the allegations.
In addition to filing a complaint with Mason County, an individual may file a written complaint within one-
hundred and eighty (180) days of the alleged violation with the Washington State Human Rights Commission
and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Employees are encouraged to exhaust administrative
remedies outlined in this policy before outside agencies are consulted. The use of the County's internal
discrimination complaint procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of such statutory remedies.
When an employee or union files both a grievance and an internal discrimination complaint regarding the same
alleged acts or incidents,the investigation and processing of one shall be suspended until the other is completed.
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Chapter 13 —Vehicle Use Policy
13.1 Vehicle Use and Scope
This policy addresses assignment of county vehicles for business use, for home-to-work commuting and
after-hours use, use of personal vehicles for county business, mileage allowances, general motor vehicle
safety expectations, and reporting requirements for commercial vehicle operators as per RCW 46.25.030.
All employees who operate motor vehicles for county-related business are responsible for operating the
vehicle in a lawful, safe, and prudent manner.
This policy applies to:
a. Departments reporting to the BOCC.
b. Elected Officials'Offices with the proviso that those officials are responsible for application of this
policy, or a comparable alternative, in their departments.All allowances, mileage reimbursement
rates, and other cash disbursements require approval of the BOCC.
c. Represented and non-represented employees. Where permitted, the policy is applicable to
bargaining unit employees depending on the collective bargaining agreement for that unit and
the requirements of RCW 41.56.
d. Where provisions of this policy address topics covered in the Sheriff's Office Vehicle Use policy,
those rules shall apply.
e. All users of county vehicles (owned, leased, or rented) or personal vehicles utilized for county
business purposes, including regular employees, temporary employees, contractors, volunteers,
and citizens.
13.2 Definitions
Assigned Take-Home Vehicle: A county vehicle,which is used by a County employee for county business
and for regularly commuting to and from the employee's home and workstation.
Assigned Vehicle: A county vehicle assigned to a department or county employee for county business,
but not for employee commuting to and from the employee's home and workstation.
Call-Out: A directive to an employee to report to a work site during off duty time or day, and to respond
to emergencies, which require immediate response to protect life and property.
Commissioned Officers: All officers commissioned by the Sheriff's Office.
Commute Trip Mileage: The mileage from an employee's home to their regular place of work and back,
or the actual daily mileage from home to the first worksite and from the last worksite to home.
Designated Parking Area: A county parking facility or lot, which has been identified by an employee's
Elected Official or the Risk Manager as an acceptable overnight location for parking the employee's
assigned county vehicle.
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Emergency Response:An employee has primary responsibility for immediate response,to protect life and
property, and to maintain and enforce law.
Equipment, Rental, and Revolving(ER&R): Fund required for counties per RCW 38.33A.010.
Motor Pool: County vehicle operations for owned or leased vehicles by the county and not managed by
the county's ER&R fund.
Motor vehicle: Per RCW 46.04.320 means every vehicle that is self-propelled or a vehicle that is propelled
by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires, but not operated upon rails.
Occasional Overnight Usage of County-Owned Vehicles: County employees taking home county-owned
vehicles for conducting county business away from the employee's normal place of work and outside an
employee's normally scheduled work hours.
Specialized Equipment: Per WAC 468-38-270 certain vehicles are designed and built for unique functions
other than transporting persons. The federal highway administration classifies and references some of
these vehicles as specialized equipment in Title 23 C.F.R. Part 658.13(e) and sets minimum and/or
maximum parameters for the vehicle to operate. The department adopted these specialized
classifications and accepted or further defined the legal parameters for operation on state highways.
Special Mobile Equipment: Per RCW 46.04.552 means every vehicle not designed or used primarily for
the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or moved over a highway,
including but not limited to: ditch digging apparatus, well boring apparatus and road construction and
maintenance machinery such as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors another
than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers,
earthmoving carryalls and scrapers, power shovels and draglines, and transportation of persons or
property to which machinery has been attached.
Vehicle: Per RCW 46.04.670 includes every device capable of being moved upon a public highway an in,
upon, or by which any persons or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway,
including bicycles.This includes motorized or non-motorized vehicles to include boats, aircraft, and utility
tractors designed to transport persons or goods on public roadways, waterways, or federal airspace.
Weapon: A tool or instrument used with the aim of causing damage or harm to live beings or artificial
structures or systems.
13.3 Assignment of County Vehicles to Offices/Departments/County Employees
Purpose and Responsibility
The BOCC wishes to control the overall number of county-owned and leased vehicles and the vehicles
used by employees to commute to and from work. Any operation that increases the number of vehicles
owned or leased by the county must receive approval from the BOCC prior to commencement.
It is the responsibility of the BOCC to ensure the proper use of public funds concerning the County practice
of allowing employees to commute to and from work in County-owned and leased vehicles.The BOCC is
to assure all County owned and leased vehicles are used responsibly, and centralized controls are in place
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to report taxable benefits if applicable.All Take-Home Vehicle assignments for County issued vehicles will
be reviewed by the BOCC annually. Mileage outside of Mason County to work and home for non-
commissioned take-home vehicles will be the responsibility of person assigned to the vehicle.
Authority and References
IRS Publication 15-B Fringe Benefit
IRS Publication 5137 Fringe Benefit Guide
IRS Substantiation Requirements§1.274-5
Take-Home Vehicles are only to be assigned to those meeting the IRS requirements of Qualified Non-
personal Use Vehicles as identified in Publication 5137, or meet the Emergency Response, Specialized
Equipment, or Economic Benefit as defined below.
Take-Home Vehicle assignment must be preapproved by BOCC, unless for a temporary assignment.
13.4 Qualified Non-Personal Use Vehicles
a. Clearly marked police,fire, and public safety officer vehicles.
b. Ambulances used as such, or hearses used as such.
c. Any vehicle designed to carry cargo with a loaded gross vehicle weight over fourteen thousand
(14,000) pounds.
d. Bucket trucks (cherry pickers).
e. Cement mixers.
f. Combines.
g. Cranes and derricks.
h. Delivery trucks with seating only for the driver, or only for the driver plus a folding jump seat.
i. Dump trucks(including garbage trucks).
j. Flatbed trucks.
k. Forklifts.
I. Passenger buses used as such with a capacity of at least twenty(20) passengers.
m. Qualified moving vans.
n. Qualified specialized utility repair trucks (as defined in Publication 5137).
o. Refrigerated trucks.
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p. School buses.
q. Tractors and other special purpose farm vehicles.
r. Unmarked vehicles used by law enforcement officers if the use is officially authorized.
s. Pickup Trucks and Vans that meet the specifications as defined in Publication 15-B.
The use of County vehicles or travel reimbursement is preferred over the assignment of Take-Home
vehicles for conducting county business. Assignment of a County vehicle is neither a privilege nor a right
of any County employee.
Assignment of a County vehicle shall not be made based on employee merit or employee status. The need
for communication access (car radio, telephone, etc.) shall not be considered adequate justification for a
County vehicle assignment. Wherever possible, assigned County vehicles shall be picked up and dropped
off at designated County parking area,thereby avoiding the assignment of Take-Home Vehicles.
13.5 Emergency Responses
Take-Home Vehicles may be assigned to county employees who:
a. Are called out at least 12 times per quarter, or 48 times a year and have primary responsibility to
respond to emergencies which require immediate response to protect life or property; and
b. Cannot use alternative forms of transportation to respond to emergencies; and
c. Cannot pick-up County-owned assigned vehicles at designated sites without impacting the employee's
ability to respond to emergencies, which require immediate response to protect life or property.
Emergency response assignments should be supported by data demonstrating the actual number and
nature of emergency responses in the prior year and estimates of future emergency responses. There
must be an explanation as to why an employee cannot use alternative forms of transportation to respond
to emergencies or pick up county-owned or leased assigned vehicles at designated parking areas.
13.6 Special Equipment Vehicles
Take-home vehicles may be assigned if an employee needs specialized equipment or a special vehicle to
perform county work outside of an employee's normally scheduled workday.
a. Communication access shall not normally be considered a valid justification for a specially equipped
take-home vehicle.
b. Employees must have primary responsibility to respond to emergencies.
Special equipment vehicle assignments shall be supported by information describing the special
equipment needed to perform the county work.
13.7 Economic Benefit to the County
Take-Home vehicles may be assigned if an employee's private vehicle mileage reimbursement costs are
greater than the commuting costs for an assigned county vehicle with overnight vehicle usage.
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a. Lost productivity costs, the cost of the time it takes an employee to travel from a designated county
parking facility to their workstation,shall not be included in the calculation of economic benefit to the
county.
b. There must be an explanation as to why an employee cannot use alternative forms of transportation
or pick up county-owned or leased vehicles at designated parking areas.
c. Tax treatment of all vehicle assignments shall be subject to current regulations.
13.8 Temporary Take-Home Vehicle Assignment
Occasional overnight usage of County-owned or leased vehicles is permitted. Such occasional usage of
County vehicles may occur when an employee conducts County business away from the employee's
normal place of work, and outside an employee's normally scheduled workday. Other types of occasional
overnight usage are permitted when the following conditions exist:
a. Inclement weather conditions: When an employee is on-call and has primary responsibility to
respond.
b. Emergency preparedness or seasonal assignment: County-owned or leased vehicles are permitted
when an employee is on-call and vehicle is taken home less than twelve (12) times per quarter on
average.
c. Collective Bargaining Agreement: Authorization for take-home assignments may be granted to
employees represented by collective bargaining agreements with language that provides for take-
home vehicle assignment.
13.9 Board of County Commissioner Responsibilities
The BOCC will evaluate, authorize, or deny the current Take-Home vehicle assignments and any new
requests from all departments and elected offices by October 31st of each year.
Take-Home vehicle authorization shall be for the following periods of time: January 15t to December 31St
of each year, unless otherwise specified by a collective bargaining agreement.
13.10 Budget Management Responsibilities
Budget Management shall be the department in charge of the following provisions:
a. Maintaining the listing of BOCC approved Take-Home vehicle assignments.
b. Maintain the supporting documents for each Take-Home vehicle assignment. Documents will be
compiled, calculated, and submitted to payroll for fringe benefit, according to the IRS rules and
regulations.
c. Provide Fair Market Value of vehicles for auto fringe benefit calculation if applicable.
d. Develop and maintain records of all Take-Home vehicle assignments for Budget Management
provisions.
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13.11 Department Heads and Elected Officials' Responsibilities
Department Heads and Elected Officials shall prepare a Vehicle Take-Home Authorization Request Form
and submit to Budget Management for presentation to the BOCC. These forms should be submitted by
September 30th of each year or when a new Take-Home assignment is issued to Budget Management.
Each department and office shall maintain a list of authorized Take-Home Vehicles.The updated list shall
be transmitted to Risk Management annually, or upon request by the Budget Manager. This list shall
include:
a. Employee name
b. Rank or Title
c. Work location
d. Vehicle number
e. Vehicle type
f. County of residence
g. Miles outside the County, if applicable
The following standards and criteria shall be applied for proposing Take-Home assignments for all
departments, except for the Sheriff's Office.
The employee shall reside within Mason County. The elected may propose a take-home vehicle
assignment for employees residing outside the county if both the residence is within fifteen (15) miles of
the county line and a reasonable thirty (30) minute response time can be met. In addition, there are
reasonable and compelling justifications and if such requests are met,the criteria contained below.
a. The employee commute mileage shall not be greater than the business mileage.
b. In cases where the Take-Home Vehicle Assignment requests are based on Emergency Response or
Special Equipment, the Elected must show that emergency response outside of the employee's
normal working hours is necessary due to an eminent threat to life or property.
c. The employee must provide historical data showing the number of emergency responses made during
the same time in the previous year.
d. There must be no other employees on duty and available to respond or perform the emergency work
during their normal work shift.
e. Before approving Take-Home Vehicle Assignment,the Elected shall first consider whether occasional
overnight assignment,temporary on-call status,or reimbursement for the use of a private vehicle will
be of greater economic benefit to the county than a Take-Home Vehicle Assignment.
f. The employee has primary countywide custodial control of resources used during emergency
response, and who must be available for all emergencies.
Commissioned employees of the Sheriff's Office are exempt however,for Non-Commissioned employees,
this is considered a fringe benefit and may create a tax liability.
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13.13 Employee's Responsibilities
A County owned or leased Take-Home vehicle is a fringe benefit that may generate a tax liability. If a
request for a Take-Home Vehicle is approved, it is the responsibility of the employee to contact payroll
and determine the tax liability.
13.14 Financial Services— Payroll Responsibilities
Payroll will update fringe benefit data in the payroll system.
13.15 Drivers License and Insurance Requirements
The County has auto liability coverage on its Mason County vehicles. Authorized employees appointed or
authorized representatives and persons, or volunteers driving Mason County vehicles are covered under
the County's liability coverage. However, employees using their personal vehicles for County business are
not included in the County's insurance coverage and, therefore their personal vehicle insurance is
responsible for accidents, regardless of whether the accident occurred while they were on County
business. The mileage reimbursement received by employees for approved use of personal vehicles
includes, in part, a reimbursement for personal insurance coverage. Employees should consult with their
insurance agent/company to inquire about what coverage exists while using their personal vehicles for
County business.
a. Employees shall provide valid proof of automobile liability/property damage insurance with policy
coverage limits that meet the Washington State minimum requirements.
b. When an employee is using their privately-owned vehicle pursuant to County policy, the individual's
insurance shall be considered the primary insurance coverage with County coverage potentially
available for secondary or excess coverage.
c. Job applicants who have reached the final interview stage of the employment selection process will
provide the county with a "Driving Record" prior to being offered the position. This applies to both
internal and external applicants and only to those applicants whose job would require them to
operate county owned or leased vehicles on a regular(routine) basis.
13.16 Use of Personal Vehicles for County Business
Employee's use of personal vehicles for county business travel purposes is subject to the approval of the
department head or elected official. Employees may be required to utilize a county vehicle based on cost
or safety considerations. Authorization to use private vehicles may be given on a trip-by-trip or standing
approval basis. Upon request, employees are required to provide their supervisor with proof that they
possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license, proof of current vehicle liability insurance and a current
Vehicle Use Agreement on file with Human Resources.
Private vehicles utilized for county business are considered official vehicles and must conform to the
following requirements:
a. The vehicle must meet legal requirements to operate on a public highway.
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b. The vehicle must be in a sound mechanical condition and present no safety risks.
c. Employees must submit a mileage reimbursement form, to receive reimbursement based on the
county's current mileage rate allowance. The standard mileage rate reimbursement covers gas,
maintenance, repairs, and insurance for work related driving.
13.17 Use of County Vehicles for Personal Business
Employees using county vehicles on a continuing assignment or trip-by-trip basis are prohibited from using
vehicles for personal business except as provided herein. Unauthorized personal use of a county vehicle
may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
All employees should exercise reasonable judgment regarding the use of a county vehicle for personal
purposes. Personal use of a county vehicle may be permitted, subject to the approval of the applicable
department head or elected official, when the use serves the county's interests, results in negligible
expense, and/or is justified by compelling circumstances and doesn't pose a "bad appearance" even if on
personal time (e.g., at a bar or liquor store).
13.18 Incidental Travel and Stops
Employee drivers should remember that public perception of county employees is important and
influenced by how and where the public observes county vehicles being used. Employee drivers should
not make incidental stops at locations the public would generally perceive as inappropriate.
13.19 Political Use of County Vehicles
No employee or person may use any vehicle owned, leased, or operated by the county for any trip which
is exclusively for the purposes of campaigning in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate or cause
for national,county,or local office, unless use of the vehicle is required for purposes of security protection
provided by the county or local governmental unit.
13.20 Use of County Vehicles by Other Individuals
Use of county vehicles by temporary employees or volunteers requires authorization from the department
head or elected official. Temporary county employees and volunteers are subject to the applicable
provisions of this policy, including signing the Vehicle Use Agreement and providing proof of a valid
driver's license.
Interagency use of a county vehicle requires authorization from the county's elected official. Use of a
county vehicle under an interagency agreement is subject to the provisions mutually agreed upon by the
agencies involved.
13.21 Permitted and Prohibited Uses of County and Personal Vehicles for County
Business
The following policies govern all vehicle use for county business:
a. All drivers and passengers must comply with all the motor vehicles laws of the state of Washington or
any other state in which the vehicle is operated, including seatbelt and cell phone laws.
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b. Vehicles shall be locked when unattended with the engine turned off. Keys shall not be left in the
ignition unless authorized by the department head or elected official.
c. No person may use a county vehicle, or permit the use of a county vehicle, or operate a personal
vehicle for county business in the following prohibited manners:
I. The driver is impaired by fatigue or any other known mental or physical condition that affects the
safe operation of the vehicle.
II. The driver is impaired because of prescribed appliances (e.g., cast, sling, brace), prescribed or
over-the-counter medications that cause or result in adverse side effects (e.g., drowsiness or
impaired reflexes or reaction time).As described in Policy 8.13-Substance Abuse, employees are
responsible for informing their supervisor of the possible effects of the medication and expected
duration of its use.
III. Tobacco use (smoking and non-smoking products and devices) is prohibited in county-owned or
leased vehicles. This does not include smoking in personal vehicles used for county-related
business.
IV. Transporting non-county employee passengers, including family members, is not permitted
unless authorized by the employee's department head or elected official.
V. Permitting non-authorized individuals to drive a county-owned/leased vehicle unless it is for a
bona fide emergency purpose.
VI. Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from reading, manually writing,or sending a message on
an electronic wireless communications device or holding a wireless communication device to their
ear while the vehicle is moving. Exceptions to this section include operators of an authorized
emergency motor vehicle; a driver using a wireless communications device in the hands-free
mode; using devices to report illegal activity or summon medical aid or other emergency
assistance or to prevent injury to a person or property; using hearing aids.
VII. Use for personal gain, such as delivering goods or services.
VIII. Modifications including affixing signs, stickers, antennas, bike racks, ski racks, etc. Modifications
to county vehicles may be undertaken only with the prior written consent of the department head
or elected official. The County Shop or its designee will perform any modification to a county-
owned or leased vehicle.
IX. Transporting of animals — Allowed only with prior written consent of the department head or
elected official-(excludes Animal Control activities and transportation and use of canines or other
animals by the Sheriff's Office).
X. Hauling loads that exceed the rated capacity of the vehicle or that could cause damage to the
vehicle (i.e., hauling firewood or gravel in a passenger vehicle).
XI. Use of trailer hitches and towing—allowed only with prior approval by either the County Shop or
Motor Pool Manager.The County Shop or Motor Pool must evaluate hitches and lights.
XII. Installation or use of any radar or speed detection devices.
XIII. Transporting hitchhikers.
XIV. Use or consumption of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is prohibited while operating a county-
owned/leased vehicle or personal vehicle for county business.
XV. Use for vacations,side trips or any other use not expressly authorized by this policy or department
head or elected official.
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Drivers with questions regarding the appropriate use of a county vehicle or a personal vehicle while in use
for county business should consult with their supervisor, department head, elected official, or the Risk
Management Office.
13.22 Vehicle Use Agreement (VUA)
The purpose of the VUA is to ensure employees are licensed to operate a motor vehicle and possess auto
liability insurance to operate their personal vehicle for county business. Use of a county (owned, rented,
or leased) or personal vehicle for business purposes is contingent upon the following conditions and
requirements:
a. Vehicle Use Agreement - Each department head and elected official or their designee will acquire a
signed Vehicle Use Agreement (VUA), every three (3) years or if the employee has any changes or
updates to their driver's license or personal auto insurance coverage, from each of their employees
that operate a personal or county-owned/leased vehicle for business purposes. This includes those
employees required to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
b. Motor Pool User Agreement—Each department head and elected official ortheir designee will acquire
a signed Motor Pool User Agreement (MPUA), annually from each of their employees that operate a
motor pool county-owned/leased vehicle for business purposes.
c. Driving Record Request
I. Employees who are required to operate a vehicle on a regular(routine) basis to perform their job
shall, as part of the Vehicle Use Agreement, authorize Mason County to acquire a copy of their
driving abstract from the Department of Licensing per RCW 46.52.130.
II. All other employees who may drive a county vehicle or a personal vehicle for the use of county
business may have their driver abstract requested from the Department of Licensing per RCW
46.52.130 if requested by their department head, elected official and/or the Risk Management
Office.
d. Driver Safety-Annual Defensive Driving training, provided by Risk Management.
13.23 Driver Disqualification and Review
County employees and other authorized agents of the county may become disqualified as a driver for
county business for any of the following conditions:
a. Three or more moving violations in the past three years.
b. Two accidents, if one or more results in injury, loss of life or significant property damage. Note: This
includes only accidents where the driver was substantially at fault.
c. Suspension or revocation of driver's license.
d. Any change in the status of an employee's driver record resulting in disqualification or the failure to
report such a change may also result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
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Drivers denied the use of a county vehicle based on an unsatisfactory driving record may request a review
of the denial through their department head or elected official. The Risk Management Office should be
consulted regarding any requests for review.
Drivers must immediately inform their supervisor, department head, or elected official in writing if they
become disqualified under this policy.
A requested review will be investigated by the department head or elected official, and the Risk
Management Office then approved or denied by the elected official in writing. Approval or denial will be
documented and kept on file in the Risk Management Office.
13.24 Accidents and Citations
Employees are fully responsible for operating vehicles on county business in a legal, safe, and prudent
fashion and are subject to appropriate corrective action for failure to do so, up to and including
termination.
a. Employees shall immediately report all traffic accidents and/or damage to their vehicle to their
supervisor or department head or elected official while operating a personal or county-owned/leased
vehicle while on county business. In addition to any state required accident reports, employees shall
complete the form within the first business day following the accident.The report will be forwarded
to Risk Management. A review by the department head or elected official may be convened to
evaluate the accident depending on the severity.
b. Drivers are personally responsible for the cost of all traffic citations, parking tickets, etc. Passengers
are personally responsible for the cost of any traffic citation they may receive while riding in a county-
owned/leased vehicle or a personal vehicle being used for county business- (i.e., seatbelt violations,
parking violations, throwing object from vehicle). The offending employee shall pay citation fines
promptly.
c. Employees shall report moving violation citations that occur while operating a vehicle for county
business within the first business day of the issuance of the citation. Employees will notify their
immediate supervisor,who in turn will forward the report to the Risk Management Office.
13.25 Commercial Driver License
In addition to the conditions and requirements for all motor vehicle operators, employees who hold a
commercial driver's license (CDL) are subject to all requirements applicable to state and federal laws.
13.26 County Vehicle Related Purchases
Supervisors shall inform employees of acceptable vendors, gas stations, and other services that may be
utilized for county vehicle-related purchases. Repair and towing services are primarily acquired through
county contracts. If services are needed while traveling out of the county, the employee should contact
the County Shop for Public Works vehicles, the Facilities manager for motor pool vehicles, or use their
best judgment if outside of work hours.
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13.27 ER&R Vehicles Fuel Policies and Fuel Credit Card Uses
Public Works vehicles should use the county-owned fuel dispensers whenever possible. There is one fill
up per fuel card use. No doubling up on one card with more than one respective, associated vehicle is
permitted. Department supervisors should provide directions to those locations and instruct their
assigned drivers on the uses of these dispensers.
Public Works vehicles may use public self-service, regular unleaded and diesel dispensers if county fuel
dispensers are not available.The most cost-effective vendor should be used whenever possible. Receipts
must be submitted for reimbursement.
The use of premium grades of fuel is not authorized, unless required by the vehicle's owner's manual.
13.28 Motor Pool Repairs and Preventative Maintenance
Each motor pool vehicle will have a maintenance card assigned, in case of emergency, contact the Motor
Pool Manager. For basic unanticipated vehicle repair needs, it is the driver's responsibility to report to
their supervisor.
13.29 Motor Pool Fuel Policies and Fuel Credit Card Uses
Motor pool vehicles should use the assigned WEX Fleet card to purchase fuel from any authorized gas
station (Shell or Chevron). Arco and AM/PM gas stations are not authorized vendors. There is one (1) fill
up per fuel card use. No doubling up on one(1)card with more than one (1) respective,associated vehicle
is permitted. Department supervisors should provide directions to those locations and instruct their
assigned drivers on the uses of these dispensers.
Motor pool vehicles may use public self-service, regular unleaded and diesel dispensers for emergency
situations only. The most cost-effective vendor should be used whenever possible. Receipts must be
submitted for reimbursement.
The use of premium grades of fuel is not authorized, unless required by the vehicle's owner's manual.
13.30 Repairs and Preventative Maintenance
When a vehicle is assigned to an employee or department, the driver or department supervisor is
responsible for ensuring that all preventative maintenance is performed on schedule and the vehicle is
serviced in a timely manner when notified by either the Facilities department or the County Shop. The
driver is responsible for keeping the vehicle clean.
13.31 General Motor Vehicle Safety
In the interest of safety, supervisors may elect to have assignments,jobs or tasks delayed or postponed
during inclement weather until driving conditions improve. Only essential vehicles equipped with
necessary traction devices should be required to operate during hazardous conditions (e.g., Sheriff's
vehicles, snowplows, sanding trucks, etc.). Vehicles used during inclement weather may require the use
of tire chains. It is the responsibility of the vehicle/equipment operator to install tire chains when needed.
Operators shall conduct a safety check of the vehicle each day. The minimum operator's check should
consist of a check for body damage, mechanical problems (tire inflation & tread, brakes, steering, turn
signals, wipers, horn, etc.) and verification that all lights are functioning, and windows are cleaned to
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present a clear field of view.All items requiring repair shall be reported to the immediate supervisor and
the County Shop for Public Works vehicles, or by submitting a maintenance support ticket to the Facilities
Department for motor pool vehicles.
County departments may have additional requirements for the safe operation of motor vehicles and
equipment.
13.32 Safety
In the event a county officer, employee, or volunteer is involved in an accident while operating a county
vehicle or their own vehicle and conducting county business,the driver shall follow these safety rules:
a. Immediately provide first aid (if possible and if necessary) to any injured person. It is recommended
that employees providing first aid/CPR have a valid first aid/CPR card.
b. The county employee/driver shall then immediately notify their supervisor and the appropriate law
enforcement agency. No vehicles shall be moved from the accident scene until law enforcement
arrives unless a greater safety hazard would be created by not moving the vehicle(s).
c. The county employee/driver shall exchange information regarding driver's license, vehicle
registration, and insurance information with the operator(s) of the other vehicle(s).
d. If possible, the county employee/driver shall gather the names and addresses of all potential
witnesses including passengers in all vehicles involved.
e. If possible, take photos of both the county vehicle and the other injured parties'vehicle, equipment,
or the scene itself.
f. The county employee/driver shall complete the vehicle accident checklist located in the glove
compartment of each county vehicle. If the accident results in death, personal injury, or property
damage in excess of five hundred ($500) dollars, complete the State of Washington Uniform Collision
Report Form (WSP 161)within twenty-four(24) hours of the accident.
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Chapter 14 —Travel
Mason County recognizes that out-of-town travel and related business expenses can be an integral and
necessary component of the operation of local government. This policy is intended to establish equitable
standards and to provide consistent and fair treatment to all employees who incur such expenses. It is
also intended to establish and maintain effective controls over those expenses.
County officials(department heads and elected officials) and County employees are expected to exercise
prudent judgment when incurring travel expenses on behalf of the County doing official County business.
The failure of employees to follow this policy, or incur excessive expenses, may be cause for disciplinary
action. Non-business-related expenses and/or expenses not made in accordance with this policy will not
be approved or reimbursed.
14.1 Travel Expense Reimbursement
All travel and associated expenses must be approved in advance by the department head or elected
official. Employees will be reimbursed for reasonable and customary expenses incurred in connection
with doing business on behalf of the County. These may include meals, lodging,transportation, and other
necessary expenses while away from the office. These expenses may not include alcoholic beverages;
tobacco;tips exceeding fifteen percent(15%); meals, lodging or transportation provided for the employee
by an outside entity as part of the employee's participation; any expenses for a person(s) traveling with
the employee; any expenses incurred that are not in connection with the business of the County.
All requests for payment of travel must be submitted to the Auditor's Financial Services department on
forms approved and provided by the Auditor. All required documentation must also be submitted on the
approved travel document form. Required travel documents include all itemized receipts,
conference/seminar agendas,and all proof of costs incurred while doing business on behalf of the County.
Travel documents should be presented to the Auditor's Financial Services department in the month the
charges occur.
If an employee chooses to travel to a destination in advance of the necessary time for arrival or remain at
the destination following the official closing of the event,there will be no additional per diem, lodging or
miscellaneous expenses paid to the employee.
All requests for payment must be signed by the department head or elected official and the employee
that is requesting reimbursement. An employee may not request reimbursement on behalf of another
employee.
If an employee is compensated by an outside entity for any travel costs while traveling on behalf of Mason
County, the employee will deposit those funds with the Mason County Treasurer. The employee will
provide the Auditor's Financial Services department with a copy of the Treasurer's deposit receipt and a
detail of the expenses covered.
Any member of a board, committee or commission that is not a Mason County employee but is an
appointed member to do business on behalf of Mason County is subject to all travel rules and
documentation noted herein.
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14.2 Per Diem (Meal Reimbursement)
All requested meal reimbursement must have a detailed receipt. Meals will be reimbursed, minus any
alcohol or a tip exceeding fifteen percent (15%), using the Washington State Office of Financial
Management (OFM) per diem rates and, for out of state travel, the U.S. General Services Administration
(GSA) per diem rates. The meals will be reimbursed up to the allowable rate for the location and meal
type per GSA per diem rates. Per diem will be reduced for any meals provided through conference
registration, seminars, or similar events. Reimbursement will not be made if the employee chooses not
to eat the meal provided and eats elsewhere.
14.2.1 Single Day Per Diem
Single day per diem occurs when no overnight stay is required. Single day meal reimbursements are
considered taxable wages according to the IRS and will be included as gross taxable income of the
employee. An employee must use the single day per diem form and include it with their payroll timesheet
information. The department supervisor will forward the per diem form to the Auditor's Financial Services
department.The meal will be added to their taxable gross wages and taxed accordingly.
14.2.2 Per Diem While in Overnight Travel Status
If an overnight stay is required, per diem will be based on GSA rates for each day the employee is in full
travel status. The per diem rate will be based on the location the employee is in for that meal. On days
of departure and return, an employee will apply the Three (3) Hour Rule (see rule below).
14.2.3 Per Diem Three Hour Rule
If an employee is in travel status for three hours beyond their regular work schedule for a single day,they
may receive meal reimbursement. The three hours may consist of hours occurring before, after or a
combination of both before and after the employee's regular work schedule for the day. The employee
may not stop for a meal just to meet the three (3) hour rule.
14.3 Advance Travel
If an employee will be in training on behalf of the County and staying at the training location for four
consecutive weeks or more,they may request advance travel. All requests for payment of advance travel
must be submitted to the Auditor's Financial Services department on forms approved and provided by the
Auditor. Documentation of the training must be submitted with the approved advance travel request that
includes the location and the training calendar. It is the responsibility of the employee to submit the
advance travel request two weeks prior to travel to allow for processing the request.
Per diem will be used for only advance travel using the Washington State Office of Financial Management
(OFM) per diem rates and,for out of state travel,the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem
rates. There is no requirement to provide receipts.
All advance travel requests must be signed by the department head or elected official and the employee
that is requesting the advance travel.
14.4 Special Circumstances
During emergency situations such as, but not limited to, initial crime scene investigations, major crimes,
emergency weather situation, natural disasters, etc., when employees are working extended hours and
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stopping for a meal break could worsen the emergency or increase costs to the County,departments may
provide an on-scene meal of nominal cost. A detailed receipt, including the names of all
employees/volunteers involved, must be provided. All receipts and pertinent information involving the
emergency must be included on the claim for payment voucher submitted to the Auditor's Financial
Services department. An employee may not claim a per diem meal reimbursement if their County
department is also submitting a claim for payment voucher for the same incident.
14.5 Lodging
All lodging is to be reserved using a government, or most economical, rate whenever possible. County
credit cards may be used to secure lodging for a county employee. Reimbursement for lodging is allowed
when the temporary duty station is located more than fifty(50) miles, using the most direct route, closer
to either the traveler's official residence or official workstation.
Reimbursement will be made for the actual lodging expense and any applicable taxes. If there are
additional charges for a person(s) traveling with the employee, who is not traveling on behalf of County
business, the employee is responsible for all charges for that additional person(s) and it will not be
reimbursed. An itemized statement is required for all charges.
If an employee shares accommodation with another employee or an employee of another entity who is
attending the same event, an equal share of the double room rate will be paid on behalf of the Mason
County employee. Each employee must submit an original invoice showing the lodging charge for their
portion of the room rate.
Not eligible for reimbursement on a lodging receipt are, but not limited to laundry services; valet service;
entertainment expenses; athletic room (gym) charges, internet charges (unless required by their
supervisor).
14.6 Transportation
Any employee driving a vehicle (either County car or personal vehicle) must have and must be able to
provide proof of valid car insurance.
Employees are encouraged to reserve and use a pool car as much as possible. All county vehicles shall be
used in accordance with Chapter 13, Mason County Vehicle Use Policy.
If a personal vehicle is used,the mileage will be based on the current IRS standard POV rate. Mileage will
be prohibited for normal travel between the usual place of business and employee's main place of
residence. When traveling on behalf of the County, mileage will be paid from either the official
workstation or the employee's main residence, whichever is the closer and most direct route of the two
(2),to the travel destination.
Mileage shall not exceed the sum of a round-trip coach airfare from a common carrier, any needed local
ground transportation, and other related costs for that destination.
Airfare (coach rate), car rentals,trains,ferry,tolls, shuttle/taxi, etc. will be reimbursed with a receipt and
paid at actual costs. Personal travel insurance will not be reimbursed. Tickets purchased with an
employee's individual frequent flyer miles will not be reimbursed.
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Chapter 15 — Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy
15.1 Electronic Information Policy
Mason County provides a communications and data network capable of offering Electronic Mail (e-mail),
Voice Mail, Internet access, data storage and data processing to employees to assist and facilitate
legitimate Mason County business operations. Mason County information and information resources
shall be used in an approved, lawful manner to avoid loss or liability to Mason County and/or loss of public
confidence in the operation of Mason County.
Utilization of these systems is a privilege. Employees should never put information on or access services
unless they would be comfortable with the information associated with their name in public. By using
Mason County's communications and data systems, employees agree that they are aware of, understand
and comply with the provisions of this policy.
15.2 Definitions
Computers Systems: Includes individual desktop and laptop computers (PCs), e-mail system, internet
access, file servers, digital media such as floppy disks, Compact Digital disks (CDs) and Digital Video disks
(DVDs), and all other components of Mason County's computer systems.
E-Mail:The County's e-mail system.
Intranet: Web site containing content for internal use.
Internet:The worldwide network of computers.
Software:The digital programs that perform functions on the PCs and network. All software normally has
a copyright and is licensed.
Streaming Audio(or Video): Technology used to"play"or view audio/video on a PC from a remote source
or Web site over the network. Can be used for music, voice, lectures, videos, and other audio/video
material. It generally consists of a continuous stream of data coming over the network.
Web Browsing: Use of a software tool to access Web sites on the Internet.
15.3 Roles and Responsibilities
Mason County owns all information services resources; use of such resources constitutes consent to
monitor, inspect and audit any data or information resident on those resources without permission or
further notice.
The Board of County Commissioners shall approve the Acceptable Use Policy.
Elected officials and Department Heads shall be responsible for the following:
a. Informing their personnel of acceptable use policies and acceptable use of information resources.
b. Ensuring that personnel under their supervision comply with these policies.
c. Ensure the contract personnel under their supervision comply with these policies and procedures.
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15.4 Equipment and Programs
15.4.1 Acquiring Hardware and Software
To prevent the introduction of malicious code and protect the integrity of County information resources,
all hardware and software shall be obtained through or with the advice of Information Services.
15.4.2 Complying with Copyright and Licensing
All software utilized shall be procured by Mason County and shall be licensed and registered in the name
of Mason County. All personnel shall abide by software copyright laws and shall not obtain, install,
replicate, or use software except as permitted by the software licensing agreements.
15.4.3 Using Personally Owned Software
To protect the integrity of County resources and licensing requirements, personnel shall not use
personally owned software on Mason County information systems. This includes, but is not limited to,
personally purchased and licensed applications and shareware. Exception: personally owned Personal
Digital Assistant (PDAs) that are compatible with the County systems, may be installed with the
authorization of the Elected Official or Department Head. The software licensing that accompanies the
PDA must allow concurrent home and business use.
15.5 E-Mail and Voice Mail (Electronic Communication)
15.5.1 Acceptable Use
Mason County provides electronic communications to facilitate the conduct of government business.
Occasional and incidental personal electronic communications use shall be permitted if it does not
interfere with the government's ability to perform its mission. However,while they remain in the system,
personal messages shall be in the possession and control of Mason County and shall be deemed public
information, unless specifically protected by law.
15.5.2 Prohibited Use
Prohibited activities when using government electronic mail shall include, but not be limited to, sending,
or arranging to receive the following:
a. Information that violates county, state or federal laws and regulations.
b. Any material that may defame, libel, abuse,tarnish,or portray in false light,the recipient,the sender,
or any other person.
c. Pornographic, racist, sexually oriented, offensive material, chain letters, unauthorized mass mailings,
or malicious code.
15.5.3 Encryption
Encrypting electronic mail, messages or data shall comply with the following:
a. Use of encryption will be approved by the Commissioners.
b. Place the key or other similar file for all encrypted electronic mail in a directory or file system that can
be accessed by the responsible Elected Official or Department Head prior to encrypting email.
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•
c. Supply the key or other device needed to decrypt the electronic mail upon request by authorized
management.
d. Use of encryption without prior authorization will be considered violating this policy.
15.6 E-Mail Management
Recognizing that e-mail messages that meet the definition of a public record must be managed according
to approved records retention periods, Mason County has implemented a process to support the proper
management of e-mail records. It is the responsibility of all County employees to manage records
according to retention requirements mandated by federal, state and/or local statute, grant agreement,
and/or other contractual obligations and Mason County's policies and procedures.
Storing every email is not the same as managing public records created and/or received as emails. Such
a strategy is unlikely to be sustainable in the long run,will make it harder to locate the public records that
do need to be retained and may not be the most efficient use of agency resources.
Mason County supports appropriate management of e-mail messages through:
a. Implementation of an email archiving solution that provides central storage and access of e-mail
messages that meet the definition of a public record.
b. Development of user procedures and guidelines.
c. Training for email storage is available to all employees through the Secretary of State
https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/recordsmanagement/managing-emails.aspx. Please contact the
department's records retention staff for assistance.
15.6.1 Policy
All e-mail messages sent or received that are related to the conduct of County business must be evaluated
for the function and content of the record. The function/content of each e-mail message should be
evaluated against the following criteria of a public record:
• Was the email created while doing County business?
• Was the email received for action?
• Does the email document County activities, decisions, or actions?
• Is the email mandated by statutes or regulations?
• Does the email support financial obligations or legal claims?
• Does the email communicate County requirements?
Email messages that meet the definition of a public record must be managed according to their
approved retention period in their native format.
a. https://www.sos.wa.gov/archives/recordsmanagement/local-government-records-retention-
schedules---alphabetical-list.aspx
b. All email messages sent or received from a County email address will be retained for a minimum of
ninety(90) days by the County's email system.
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c. Employees have ninety (90) days from the date an email message was created or received to
determine if an email meets the definition of a public record. All emails that are public records must
be retained in their native format for their approved records retention period. Retention periods are
based on functional use of the information contained in each message.
d. Employees shall place email messages in email storage folders for the appropriate retention period
as approved by the Washington State Local Records Committee Records Retention Schedule. The
email archiving system will retain email based on folder designation. It is critical to use the appropriate
email storage folder.
e. Ninety (90) days after the received date, e-mails will be purged from the County's email system
(Outlook). E-mails in an employee in-box will be retained by the county's archiving system (Retain)
for two years and deleted e-mails will be retained for one year. This process will purge archived emails
that have met their required retention period and junk e-mails. Purged means deleted and
unrecoverable.
f. To comply with records management requirements and the Washington State Public Records Act
(RCW 42.56) email messages that meet the definition of a public record must be stored within
technology systems supported by the County.The County's email archiving solution is considered the
official system of record for County email messages. Requests for alternative methods for retaining
emails must be submitted to the Information Technology Department for approval.
g. The creation of new Microsoft Outlook Personal Storage Table (.pst)files is prohibited.
15.6.2 Definitions
Public Record: Information in any format that has been made by or received by Mason County in
connection with the transaction of public business.
Transitory Record:A public record with minimum retention value. These records can be deleted "as soon
as no longer needed for agency business". They are subject to public disclosure while they exist.
Non-Record: Non-records may be created or maintained by County employees, but do not document the
organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of Mason County.
(Resolution No. 68-19)
15.7 Internet Access
Access to the Internet is available to employees, contractors, whose duties require it for the conduct of
government business. Since Internet activities may be monitored, all personnel accessing the Internet
shall have no expectation of privacy.
15.7.1 Acceptable Use
Mason County provides Internet access to facilitate the conduct of government business. Occasional and
incidental personal internet use shall be permitted if it is not a Prohibited Use activity, is not conducted
during county work time and does not interfere with the government's ability to perform its mission.
Elected officials and Department Heads shall determine when usage is acceptable for their employees.
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15.7.2 Prohibited Use
Prohibited activities when using the Internet include, but are not limited to,the following:
a. Browsing explicit pornographic or hate-based web sites, hacker or cracker sites, or other sites that
Mason County has determined to be off-limits.
b. Posting, sending, or acquiring sexually explicit or sexually oriented material, hate-based material,
hacker-related material, or other material determined to be off-limits.
c. Posting or sending sensitive information without management authorization.
d. Accessing outside personal e-mail accounts such as Hotmail or Yahoo mail. Downloads or
attachments from these accounts could bypass the County e-mail virus software. Information needed
from these accounts should be forwarded to the employee's County e-mail address.
e. Using other services available on the Internet, such as FTP or Telnet, on systems for which the user
does not have an account, or on systems that have no guest or anonymous account for the service
being used.
f. Posting commercial announcements or advertising material.
g. Promoting or maintaining a personal or private business.
h. Receiving news feeds and push data updates unless the material is required for government business.
i. Using non-work-related applications or software that occupy excess workstation or network
processing time (e.g., processing in conjunction with screen savers, streaming audio, or video feeds).
j. Conducting fund-raising, endorsing any product or service, lobbying, or participating in any political
or campaign activity.
15.8 Generally Prohibited Uses of Information Resources
Generally prohibited activities when using government information resources shall include, but are not
limited to,the following:
a. Stealing or copying electronic files without permission.
b. Violating copyright laws. This includes downloading copyright music or video files.
c. Browsing the private files or accounts of others, except as provided by appropriate authority.
d. Performing unofficial activities that may degrade the performance of systems or waste employee
time, such as the playing of electronic games.
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e. Performing activities intended to circumvent security or access controls of any organization, including
the use of hardware or software tools intended to defeat software copy protection, discover
passwords, identify security vulnerabilities, decrypt encrypted files, or compromise information
security by any other means.
f. Writing, copying, executing,or attempting to introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate,
damage,or otherwise hinder the performance of or access to any computer, network,or information.
g. Accessing the County network via modem or other remote access service without the approval of
management.
h. Promoting or maintaining a personal or private business or using County information resources for
personal gain.
i. Using someone else's logon ID and password.
j. Disclosing any County information that is not otherwise public.
15.9 Monitoring, Auditing, and Inspection
Elected Officials and Department Heads may monitor, inspect, or audit the e-mail, data, or information
their employees create or utilize on the County information services resources at any time.
System administrators and other personnel with unrestricted access to email, files, data, and similar
services shall receive approval from the supervising Elected Official or Department Head prior to
decrypting, opening, or reading the e-mail, data, or information of their employees.
If due to unusual circumstances,such as result of viruses, malicious programs, equipment failure or error,
employee e-mail, data or information is read or intercepted, then system administrators and other
employees that intercept, read, or view the information shall inform the responsible Elected Official or
Department Head at the first opportunity.
An Elected official may be monitored, inspected, or audited only with the express authorization of the
Prosecutor.
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Chapter 16 — Social Media Policy
To address the fast-changing landscape of the Internet and the way residents communicate and obtain
information online, Mason County departments may consider using social media tools to reach a
broader audience. The County encourages the use of social media to further the goals of the County
and the missions of its departments, where appropriate. This policy is not meant to address one form
of social media; rather social media in general, as advances in technology will occur and new tools will
emerge. Mason County personnel will approach the use of social media tools as consistently as
possible, County Government wide.
All Mason County social media sites shall comply with all appropriate RCW, Mason County policies and
standards, including but not limited to:
a. Mason County Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy(Revision F)
b. Mason County Blogging Policy
c. Mason County Personnel Policy
d. RCW 42.52 Ethics in Public Service
e. Mason County Social Media Standards for Facebook and X
f. State of Washington public records laws
Mason County has an overriding interest and expectation in deciding what is "spoken" on behalf of the
County on social media sites.This policy establishes guidelines for the use of social media.
16.1 Definitions
Blog:A self-published diary or commentary on a particular topic that may allow visitors to post responses,
reactions, or comments.The term is short for"Web log."
Blog article:An original posting of content to a Mason County blog site by a Mason County blog author.
Blog commenter:A member of the public who submits a comment for posting in response to the
content of a particular Mason County blog article.
Blog comment:A response to a Mason County blog article submitted by a blog commenter.
Mason County blog author:An authorized Mason County employee/official that creates and is
responsible for posted blog articles(see blog article below).
Mason County blog moderator:An authorized Mason County employee/official,who reviews,authorizes,
and allows content submitted by a Mason County blog authors and public commenters to be posted to a
Mason County blog site.
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Page: The specific portion of a social media website where content is displayed and managed by an
individual or individuals with administrator rights.
Post: Contents an individual share on a social media site or the act of publishing content on a site.
Profile: Information that a user provides about themselves on a social networking site.
Social Media: A category of Internet-based resources that integrate user-generated content and user
participation. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites (Facebook Instagram), micro-
blogging sites (X, Nixle), photo- and video-sharing sites (Flickr, YouTube), wikis (Wikipedia), blogs, and
news sites (Digg, Reddit).
Social Networks: Online platforms where users can create profiles, share information, and socialize with
others using a range of technologies.
Speech: Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions in spoken words, in writing, by expressive
conduct, symbolism, photographs,videotape, or related forms of communication.
Web 2.0:The second generation of the World Wide Web focused on shareable, user generated content,
rather than static web pages. Some use this term interchangeably with social media.
Wiki: Web page(s) that can be edited collaboratively.
16.2 Administration of Social Media
The Mason County Information Services Department will maintain a list of social media tools which
are approved for use by County departments and staff.
The Mason County Information Services Department will maintain a list of all Mason County social
media sites, a list of logins and passwords will be supplied by department / Office directors /
managers. (The Mason County Information Services Department must be able to immediately edit
or remove content from social media sites.)
The Official Mason County logo must appear somewhere on the "cover page" of the social media site.
Mason County personnel use of personally owned devices to manage the County's social media activities
or in the course of official duties is prohibited without express written permission by their Department
Head.
Mason County personnel shall observe and abide by all copyright, trademark, and service mark
restrictions in posting materials to electronic media.
For each social media tool approved for use by the County the following documentation and financial
planning will need to be developed and adopted by each department/office:
• Standards and processes for managing and administration of accounts.
• Written operational and use guidelines.
• Secured budgeting for the approved retention and archiving program.
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•
The following social media sites and networks have been approved for use by Mason County:
• X—Mason County X Standard
• Facebook—Mason County Facebook Standard
All additional social media tools proposed for County use will be forwarded to Information Services for
review and processing for approval.
16.3 Mason County Website
The Mason County website (https://masoncountVwa.gov/index.php) will remain the County's primary
and predominant internet presences. The best, most appropriate Mason County uses of social media
tools fall generally into two categories:
a. As channels for disseminating time-sensitive information as quickly as possible (example:
emergency information).
b. As marketing/promotional channels which increase the County's ability to broadcast its
messages to the widest possible audience.
Wherever possible,content posted to Mason County social media sites should contain links directing
users back to the County's official website for in-depth information, forms, documents, or online
services necessary to conduct business with Mason County.
As is the case for Mason County's web site, assigned department staff will be responsible for the content
and upkeep of any social media sites their department may create.
16.4 Social Media Public Records
Mason County's social media sites are subject to State of Washington public records laws (RCW 42.56).
Any content maintained in a social media format that is related to County business, including a list of
subscribers, and posted communication, is a public record. The Department maintaining the site is
responsible for responding completely and accurately to any public records request for public records
on social media. Content related to County business shall be maintained in an accessible format so that
it can be produced in response to a request utilizing an approved retention and archiving program.
Wherever possible, such sites shall clearly indicate that "any articles and any other content posted or
submitted for posting are subject to public disclosure". Users shall be notified that public disclosure
requests must be directed to the relevant departmental public disclosure officer.
Washington state law and relevant Mason County records retention schedules apply to social media
formats and social media content. Unless otherwise addressed in a specific social media standards
document,the Department maintaining a site shall preserve records required to be maintained pursuant
to a relevant records retention schedule for the required retention period on a County server in a format
that preserves the integrity of the original record and is easily accessible through the approved retention
and archiving program. Appropriate retention formats for specific social media tools are detailed in the
Mason County Social Media Standards for Facebook and XX.
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16.5 Users and Visitors of Mason County Social Media
Users and visitors to social media sites shall be notified that the intended purpose of the site is to serve
as a mechanism for communication between Mason County departments and members of the public.
Social media pages should state, where possible, that "Opinions expressed by visitors to the page(s) do
not reflect the opinions of Mason County".
Pages shall clearly indicate that posted comments will be monitored and that the department reserves
the right to remove obscenities, off-topic comments, and personal attacks. Mason County social media
site articles and comments containing any of the following forms of content shall not be allowed:
a. Comments not topically related to the particular social medium article being commented upon.
b. Comments in support of or opposition to political campaigns, ballot measures or pending action
items.
c. Profane language or content.
d. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination based on race, creed, color, age,
religion, gender, marital status, status about public assistance, national origin, physical or mental
disability or sexual orientation.
e. Sexual content or links to sexual content.
f. Solicitations of commerce.
g. Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity.
h. Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems;
or
i. Content that violates the legal ownership interest of any other party.
These guidelines must be displayed to users or made available by hyperlink. Any content removed
based on these guidelines must be retained, including the time, date, and identity of the poster when
available.
Mason County Information Services Department reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that
is deemed in violation of this social media policy, or any applicable law posted on a Mason County social
media site.
16.6 Blogging Policy
Mason County departments Facebook and XX accounts, commonly referred to as "blog" sites, provide
County officials the ability to post short articles, exchanges of information, post status updates and
photos, and receive notifications related back to those postings. County blogs facilitate further discussion
of those articles by providing members of the public the opportunity to submit comments regarding the
articles. Comments submitted by members of the public must be directly related to the content of the
article. Submission of comments by members of the public constitutes participation in a limited public
forum.
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16.6.1 Procedures
All County blogs shall be:
a. Approved and reviewed by the Mason County department/office Elected Official and the Mason
County Information Services Manager.
b. Published using the approved County blog sites (see Social Media Policy).
c. Administered by the Mason County Information Technology Department (except Mason County
Sheriff's Office).
All Mason County blogs shall adhere to the following Revised Codes of Washington and County policies:
a. Mason County Electronic Information Acceptable Use Policy(Revision F)
b. Mason County Electronic Communications Policy
c. Mason County Personnel Policy
d. RCW 42.52 Ethic in Public Service
e. Mason County Facebook Standards
f. Mason County X Standards
The Mason County department/office or Information Services Department reserves the right to restrict
or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this blogging policy or any applicable law.
a. Mason County blogs are subject to State of Washington public records laws.All blog sites shall clearly
indicate that any content posted or submitted for posting is subject to public disclosure.All blog sites
shall include a notification on the home page that public disclosure requests must be directed to the
department's public disclosure officer. (See Mason County Social Media Policy)
b. Relevant Mason County records retention schedules apply to blogs and blog content. Records
required to be maintained pursuant to a relevant records retention schedule shall be maintained for
the required retention period in a format that preserves the integrity of the original record and is
easily accessible using the approved retention and archiving program. Content submitted for posting
that is deemed not suitable for posting on a Mason County Blog by a moderator because it is not
topically related to the particular blog article being commented upon or is deemed prohibited content
based on the criteria in Section 7 of this policy, shall be retained pursuant to the records retention
schedule along with a description of the reason the specific content is deemed not suitable for
posting.
c. Each County blog shall include an introductory statement which clearly specifies the purpose and
topical scope of the blog.
d. County blog articles and comments containing any of the following forms of content shall not be
allowed for posting:
I. Comments not topically related to the blog article being commented upon.
II. Profane language or content.
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III. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination based on race, creed, color, age,
religion, gender, marital status, status regarding public assistance, national origin, physical or
mental disability or sexual orientation.
IV. Comments that support or oppose political campaigns or ballot measures.
V. Sexual content or links to sexual content.
VI. Solicitations of commerce.
VII. Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity.
VIII. Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems.
IX. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
e. Mason County blog moderators shall allow blog comments that are topically related to the blog article
being commented and thus within the purpose of the limited public forum, except for the prohibited
content listed above.
f. All Mason County blog moderators shall be trained regarding the terms of this Mason County Blogging
Policy, including their responsibilities to review article content submitted for posting to ensure
compliance with the Policy.
g. All blog sites shall clearly indicate that they are maintained by a particular Mason County
department/office and shall have the Mason County department's/office contact information
prominently displayed.
16.6.2 Author and Commenter Identification
All Mason County blog authors shall be clearly identified by entering their name at the end of the post.
Public commenters shall be accompanied by valid contact information including the poster's Facebook or
XX I.D. Anonymous posting shall not be allowed.
Authentication credentials used for posting blog articles and blog comments by authorized Mason County
department/office blog authors shall conform to the County's password standard.
16.6.3 Ownership and Moderation
The content of each Mason County blog shall be the sole responsibility of the department/office
producing and using the blog.
Comments submitted to a Mason County blog shall be moderated by an authorized blog moderator that
has been trained and assigned by the department/office manager.
16.6.4 Blog Comments and Responses
All blog articles submitted with attached content shall be scanned using antivirus technology prior to
posting.
The linked content of embedded hyperlinks within any Mason County blog articles or blog comments
submitted for posting shall be evaluated prior to posting. Any posted hyperlinks shall be accompanied by
a disclaimer stating that "Mason County guarantees neither the authenticity, accuracy, appropriateness
nor security of the link,web site or content linked thereto."
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16.7 Facebook Standards Policy
Facebook is a social networking site. Businesses and governments have joined individuals in using
Facebook to promote activities, programs, projects, and events. This standard is designed for County
departments!Offices looking to drive traffic to the Mason County Web sites(www.masoncountywa.gov)
and to inform more people about County's activities.These standards should be used in conjunction with
the County's Blogging Policy and Social Media Policy. As Facebook changes, these standards may be
updated as needed.
16.7.1 Establishing a Page
When a department determines it has a business need for a Facebook account, it will submit a request
through their chain of command to the Elected Official or Division Director. Once approved by their
Elected Official or Division Director, the department social media personnel will create the page which
will include the official County logo.
16.7.2 Content
a. Type of'pages'
I. The County department will create "pages" on Facebook not "groups". Facebook "pages" offer
distinct advantages including greater visibility, customization, and measurability. Related
community pages are unofficial representations of county business created by Facebook.
Community pages will currently be accepted as is unless there is a copyright/trademark issue.
II. For"type" description, choose "government".
b. Page Design Requirements
I. The Mason County logo is to be added to the cover photo.
II. Departments will complete the Page Info section as fully as possible.
III. If comments are turned on,the Facebook page should include a tab/link to a Comment Policy tab
with the following disclaimer:
Comments posted to this page will be monitored. Under the Mason County blogging policy, the County
reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments including those that have obscene language or
sexual content, threaten, or defame any person or organization, violate the legal ownership interest of
another party, support or oppose political candidates or ballot propositions, promote illegal activity,
promote commercial services or products, or are not topically related to the particular posting.
c. Link to the Mason County Website
I. Link to (www.masoncountywa.gov) will be included on the "Page" information section.
II. County department and project pages should be page favorites of other County Facebook pages.
d. Page Naming
I. Page name should be descriptive of the department.
1. Departments will choose carefully with consideration for abbreviations, slang iterations, etc.
2. The Division Director will approve proposed names.
e. Page Administrators
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a. A successful page requires"babysitting." Each department communications officer is responsible
for monitoring the Facebook page. Posts should be approved by the Division Director or a
designated alternate.
b. The department communications officer is responsible for making sure content is not stale.
Departments will designate a back-up editor in communications officer's absence.
c. The Information Service department will be provided with logins, passwords and editing rights by
the Division Director or Elected Official for emergency editing.
f Comments and Discussion Boards
a. Comments to department / office postings generally will be allowed but will be monitored by
department/office communications officer for proper content.
b. Discussion boards will be monitored by the communications officer for proper content.
g Style
a. County Department Facebook cover page will display the official County logo. The Information
Services Department will provide departments with the official county logo.
b. Departments will use proper grammar and standard Associated Press (AP) style, avoiding jargon
and abbreviations. Facebook is more casual than most other communication tools but still always
represents the County.
h Applications and Security
b. There are thousands of Facebook applications. Common applications can allow users to
stream video and music, post photos, and view. While some may be useful to the page's
mission, they can cause clutter and security risks.
c. An application should not be used unless it serves a business purpose, adds to the user
experience, comes from a trusted source, and is approved by the Elected Official or Division
Director.
d. An application may be removed at any time if there is significant reason to think it is causing
a security breach or spreading viruses.
e. For security purposes, all Facebook accounts logins and passwords will be kept by the
assigned department communications officers, Division Director / Elected Official, and
Information Services.
16.7.3 Archive
Each Facebook page will be set up in conjunction by Information Services to a designated county
account. Mason County's social media sites are subject to State of Washington public records laws RCW
42.56.
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Content that cannot be retrieved from Facebook via the approved retention and archiving program, but
need to be retained as a record, will be printed, and maintained according to the County's records
retention policy by that individual department/office utilizing the account.
16.8 X Standards Policy
X is a micro blogging tool that allows account holders to tweet up to 140 characters of information to
followers. By procuring and maintaining X accounts, County departments will communicate information
directly to their X followers, alerting them to news and directing them to the Mason County Website
(www.masoncountywa.gov) for more information. These standards should be used in conjunction with
the County's Social Media Policy.
16.8.1 Content
a. Department communications officer shall hold and maintain their department's X account.
b. Each department will have only one X account, unless otherwise approved by the Elected Official or
Division Director. Account information, including usernames and passwords, shall be registered, and
updated with the department Communications officer, Division Director, and Elected Official. The
Information Service department will be provided logins, passwords and editing rights by the Division
Director or Elected Official for emergency editing.
c. All Mason County department's X bio will read: (Department name) Comments, list of followers
subject to public disclosure (RCW 42.56). If appropriate the following will be added:This site is not
monitored. Call 911 for emergencies.
d. X usernames shall begin with "Mason" (MasonParks, MasonPW and MasonPH). In cases where the
username is too many characters, begin with "MC" (MCProsecutor).
e. Department X account backgrounds will share an official Mason County logo provided by the
Information Services Department.
f. X accounts shall serve three primary purposes:
I. Get emergency information in/out quickly.
II. Promote County-sponsored events.
III. Refer followers to content hosted at www.masoncountywa.gov
7. Information posted on X shall conform to the policies and procedures of the County Social Media
Policy and the department / office posting the information. Posts shall be relevant, timely and
informative.
8. X content is a short synopsis of information presented on the Mason County Website and other
existing information dissemination mechanisms. Department communications officer shall ensure
that information is posted correctly the first time. X does not allow content editing.
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9. Department communications officer shall be responsive to those citizens who communicate via X's
@reply or direct message functions. Communication with followers will be timely and consistent with
existing protocols.
10. Mason County Information Services Department shall have the right to suspend or close a X account
for improper usage in alliance with the Mason County Social Media Policy.
16.8.2 Archive
The Department communications officer shall be responsible for archiving X posts. Initial policy will be to
archive X postings with the approved retention and archiving program selected by the Information
Services in accordance with RCW 42.56. In the retention and archiving program X archives may not be
visible to the public but will be accessible for public document retention purposes.
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Chapter 17 — Cellular Telephone Policy
This policy applies to all employees of Mason County, unless otherwise addressed by a current collective
bargaining agreement or public safety policy. If the conditions of this policy are violated by the employee,
the department head may restrict or terminate the use of County owned cellular phones by the employee.
17.1 Definitions
Cellular Telephones: This includes but is not limited to: Mobile devices that can be used for phone calls
and/or text messages, internet, and network features.
Electronic Files: Information stored electronically residing on storage media containing data, images,
programs,or other information.This includes all files produced or copied onto County-owned or operated
hardware,or files produced or copied either to or from other information systems on behalf of the County.
Instant Communications: Real-time or near real-time exchanges of messages between individuals or
groups through electronic devices using digital platforms, excluding e-mail. This includes text messages,
instant messages, and other forms of digital correspondence transmitted over the internet or cellular
networks.This includes but is not limited to methods like: SMS (text messaging), Instant Messaging (e.g.,
Microsoft Teams,WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger),chat in online messaging and collaboration
platforms or apps (e.g., Zoom, Webex, Google Meet).
Transitory Communications: Temporary documents or communications that have short-term value and
are not needed for long-term operational, legal, or historical purposes. They are typically created for
routine, informal communication and can be deleted or discarded once their immediate use has passed.
Internet: Refers to connectivity with other agencies, networks and/or services outside local area networks
established and maintained by Mason County.
17.2 County Owned Cellular Phones
It is the policy of Mason County to provide employees with efficient, cost-effective telephone
communication equipment and services. The purchase and utilization of cellular telephones shall be
limited to the requirement and specifications contained in this policy.
The acquisition of cellular telephones shall be limited to those instances in which there is a demonstrated
need for such equipment to perform essential County business or to improve safety, increase productivity,
increase service to the public, or in situations in which necessary communications cannot be provided by
any other means. The purchase of cellular telephones shall be subject to approval by the Department
Head and completed by Mason County Information Services.
The County Information Services Department shall install, service, and support cellular telephones
software connected to the County's network system. All equipment purchases, including hardware
(phones) or software (applications), shall be approved, in writing, by the department head prior to
purchasing or installation onto cellular phone or communications equipment by Information Services.
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Additionally, electronic communication equipment purchased and owned by employees with the intent
of using it for County purposes will not be eligible for County reimbursement or to be placed on the
County's network system.
17.3 Use of Cellular Telephones & Instant Communications
Discretion is to be used in discussing confidential information using cellular communication. Cellular
transmissions can be overheard by others. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable precautions
to prevent theft and/or vandalism of cellular equipment. In the event an employee fails to use reasonable
precautions, the county may require the employee responsible for such cellular telephone to reimburse
the county for the reasonable cost to replace such telephone.
Instant communications should only be used to send and receive transitory messages for County business-
related purposes. No substantive County related-business should be conducted over instant
communications. Employees are expected to use instant communications responsibly and professionally,
and refrain from using instant communications to store or transmit information other than transitory
records.
All phones containing or accessing County information are required to have a PIN code, password, facial
recognition, or swipe pattern enabled for security purposes.
17.4 Personal Use of Cellular Phones
The County recognizes that occasions arise in which personal calls or text messages need to be made or
received on a cellular telephone. However, it is intended that cellular telephones be used for County
business-related purposes. Personal calls and instant communications are to be minimized. Calls or text
messages to home or to the family, etc., by County staff when required to work extended hours shall be
considered business communication.
Making and receiving personal calls or instant communications should be limited. Use of personal cellular
telephones and/or County telephone equipment and services should not result in additional costs to the
County and should not interfere with performance of official duties or normal business operations.
Employees are trusted to exercise good judgment in both the duration and frequency of such calls and
instant communications.The County reserves the right to monitor the billing and use of all County owned
cellular telephones. The County normally does not reimburse employees for calls made on personal
cellular phones.
17.5 Use of County owned Cellular Telephones During International Travel
In the event an Elected Official or County employee plans to travel internationally and intends to use a
County-owned mobile device during the trip, the Elected Official or County employee shall submit a
request to Information Services to enable international mobile service on their County-issued device at
least ten (10) working days prior to departure. Supervisor approval may be required, in accordance with
departmental expectations and established procedures.
Prior to international departure, Information Services shall apply an international mobile service package
for approved requests. Usage beyond the included limits will result in overage charges.
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Overage charges incurred while traveling internationally will be the responsibility of the County employee
who incurred the charge, including Elected Officials, and must be reimbursed to the County. Information
Services will provide usage details, and the Auditor's Financial Services will facilitate the collection of all
outstanding balances. No later than fourteen (14) business days after the employee or Elected Official
have been notified of the total amount of overage charges, they must contact the Auditor's Financial
Services to make arrangements for payment.
Failure to request international mobile service in accordance with this policy may result in denial of use
of a County owned cellular telephone during international travel,and all related costs incurred on a county
device without proper authorization may be deemed personal in nature and subject to reimbursement by
the Elected Official or employee who incurred the charge.
17.6 Records Retention of Cell Phone Records & Instant Communications
The County Auditor's Office will retain copies of the County cellular telephone billing records. These billing
records must include call history (all numbers called and text messages) in accordance with the laws set
forth by the State of Washington. Billing records sent to the Auditor's Office without the call history will
not be paid and sent back to the department due to lack of information.
Cellular phone calls, instant communications, electronic files, and internet usage made on County owned
phones are subject to the Public Records Act(RCW 42.56),and the Washington Court Rules and specifically
General Rules (GR) 22, 31 and 31.1 for courts. Therefore, there is an extremely narrow scope of
expectation of privacy. All calls and instant communications are open to public records requests.
Information Services will provide text message management; install the application for and storage of text
messages.
It is expected that all instant communications are to be routinely reviewed and managed for retention,
and it is encouraged to purge transitory records once their immediate use has passed. The County's
general retention period for transitory instant communications is one (1) year. If instant communication
must be retained pursuant to the retention schedule, employees are required to transfer the message(s)
to the County's network and/or approved devices.
17.7 Service Billing
Information Services will manage and administer all County cellular phone contracts to include service
plans, maintenance agreements and upgrades. The retention software will be purchased and funded by
Information Services.
The cellular company will provide Information Services with individual department statements of monthly
services. Information Services will provide individual departments with a copy of their monthly
statements. Each county department/office will be responsible for yearly budgeting and Support Services
will voucher payment from the individual departmental budgets.
The consolidated contract's services will be shared by all County owned cellular telephones and will be
subject to review by Information Services of individual's usage. If individual's usage exceeds the County's
average usage and an overages fee is charged, those individual's departments will be responsible for the
payment of the overage fee.
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If an individual's usage is determined to be for non-county use, the individual shall be personally
responsible for the overages fee.
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Chapter 18 —Telework Policy
18.1 Purpose
To establish guidance and direction for when there is a determined need for qualified employees to
conduct County business from a location outside the normal work location. Telecommuting may be
appropriate for some employees and jobs but not for others. Telecommuting is not an entitlement, it is
not a County benefit, and does not change the terms and conditions of employment with Mason County.
Telecommuting must be submitted in the designated format and pre-approved prior to commencing.
18.2 Eligibility Considerations
All telecommuting agreements must be approved by the Elected Official/Department Head. While
telecommuting may be considered throughout the County, it may not be appropriate for all positions.
Employees are not entitled to, nor guaranteed the opportunity to telework and it may be revoked at any
time. Employees are expected to maintain high-quality productivity, performance, communication and
responsiveness standards, and to meet deadlines.
An employee's request to telework will be considered using the objectives of the office or department.
Approval is discretionary and will be based on the following factors:
a. Office/Department needs, e.g., emergencies, special projects, critical position, etc.
b. Employee's job performance history.
c. Nature of work.
d. Effect on service to clients and effect on office workload.
e. Competing work schedule or leave requests.
Approval for teleworking under this policy is for remote work performed in Washington State only.
Employees wanting to temporarily work remotely outside of Washington State must receive approval
from Human Resources and their Department Head/Elected Official.
18.3 Job Responsibilities and Conditions
a. Employee salary,job responsibilities, benefits and insurance coverage will not change.
b. Professionalism in terms of job responsibilities, work, output, and customer service will continue to
follow the high standards set by County policies.
c. Teleworkers are responsible for maintaining effective workflow among clients, coworkers, and the
Elected Official/County Administrator/Department Head.
d. The amount of time an employee is expected to work will not change. Overtime hours will not be
permitted unless requested and authorized in advance by the supervisor.
e. Teleworking is not a substitute for dependent care.
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f. Teleworkers may withdraw or be withdrawn by the Elected Official / County Administrator /
Department Head from the program at any time with three (3) days written notice, or sooner if there
is an immediate need.
g. Teleworkers are responsible for conforming to all policies and procedures.
18.4 Telework Site
The Teleworker must designate and maintain a clean, safe, and productive workspace that is adequate
for accomplishing necessary tasks and free of obstructions and distractions. The site must also be
ergonomically correct based upon Labor & Industries guidelines to prevent occupational disease or
injuries.
a. Employees telework sites are considered an extension of the office/department for limited purposes
while employee is in official telework status. All County policies are in effect.
b. The County owned computing device, or any other equipment assigned to the employee while
teleworking shall not be used for personal business.
c. The County may make on-site inspections of the telework site and any County-owned equipment, at
a mutually agreed upon time.
d. The County may electronically monitor employee's activities while connected to County network.
e. Teleworkers will take precautions necessary to secure proprietary and confidential information and
prevent unauthorized access to any County systems or paper files.
f. Employees in telework status shall be available during the approved work schedule for telephone
calls.
g. The county will not pay for a telework site (physical facility),telephone lines, or internet connection.
h. A Teleworker must not conduct in-person meetings with customers or co-workers while working from
home.
18.5 Computers, Software, Supplies, and Support
a. Any hardware or software furnished by the County remains the property of the County and will be
returned should a teleworking agreement be terminated. Information Technology(IT)will coordinate
all transfers of equipment according to established procedures.
b. County owned software may not be duplicated except as formally authorized by the manufacturer's
licensing agreement.
c. Any requests for PCs or terminals with access to County networks, mainframes, or other applications
must be reviewed and approved by the IT Department.
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d. County equipment (computers, printers, modems, telephones, etc.) furnished to the teleworking
employee is to be used only by authorized persons for official County business.
e. Supplies required to complete assigned work at the telework work site shall be obtained during the
teleworker's in-office work periods.
f. IT shall be responsible for any County equipment maintenance, installation of software, security
access, or support.
g. Only County approved software will be installed on County approved teleworking equipment.
h. Teleworkers requiring access to the County's Virtual Private Network(VPN) must contact IT Help Desk
at 360-427-9670 ext. 558, via the County's IT Support Ticket System at
http://heIpdesk.mason.local/tickets/to request an account.
18.6 Workers' Compensation
During Telework hours, the Teleworker is covered for any injury arising out of and in the course of
employment pursuant to the Washington State Workers' Compensation Act. A Teleworker injured while
working at the Teleworker's residence or other Remote Work Locations is required to follow established
County procedures for reporting on-the-job injuries.This can be found on the Human Resources website:
https://masoncountywa.gov/forms/human-resources/Employee-Injury-Illness-Incident-Report.pdf
18.7 Overtime, Leave, and Compensation
In accordance with the County's overtime policy, overtime must be approved in advance to preclude any
unintended liability for premium pay. Teleworkers must receive supervisory approval prior to working
beyond their normal hours of duty. Failure to obtain supervisory approval may result in the termination
of the Telework Arrangement and possible disciplinary action.
Procedures for requesting leave will remain unchanged.The teleworker is responsible for obtaining leave
approval in advance and keeping appropriate personnel informed of leave usage in accordance with either
the Personnel Policy or applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement policy and procedures.
Teleworkers working at their Remote Work Location will be granted the same holidays as employees
working at the Main Worksite.
If a Teleworker becomes sick at any time while Teleworking,the Teleworker must immediately notify their
manager and use sick leave to cover those hours not worked. If a Teleworker must take some other form
of leave, the Teleworker must request leave from their manager immediately and use the leave to cover
those hours not worked. A Teleworker's compensation and benefits will not change due to participation
in the Telework Program.
A Teleworker must submit timesheets and leave requests in accordance with the normal policies and
procedures.
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18.8 Liability
The County will defend and indemnify a Teleworker who is Teleworking at their residence or other
approved Remote Work Location for all claims arising out of and with the Teleworker's scope of
employment consistent with the provisions for the Local Government Tort Claims Act and other applicable
laws and in accordance with Mason County's Policy and Procedure for Defense and Indemnity of
Employees, Ordinance No. 06-18.
Mason County is not liable for any loss, destruction, or damage to property or for any injury or loss to
third persons occurring at or around the Teleworker's residence or other approved Remote Work
Location.
18.9 Inclement Weather
It is a County priority to ensure continuity of operations during inclement weather or other emergency
conditions. In the event of a County declared general,weather-related, or other public health emergency
closes the Teleworker's Main Worksite, a teleworking employee scheduled to Telework will be required
to continue working remotely, unless it is impossible (power outage).Teleworking employees scheduled
to work in the office may, with the authorization of their supervisor, telework during inclement weather
or other emergency conditions.
18.10 Confidentiality
A Teleworker is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data,
information, and paper files used when Teleworking. A Teleworker must follow all applicable County,
federal,state, and departmental policies, laws, and regulations to protect data, accessed or maintained
while Teleworking. In addition,Teleworking employees must adhere to the following:
a. Protecting information assets from unauthorized access and useby others,including family members,
friends,and other visitors.
b. Leaving information assets only in secured locations and not in unattended or'unlocked vehicles, or
other locations where they may be easily stolen.
c. Ensuring that any County issued equipment, such as cell phones, hot spots,or computers passwords
are protected from unauthorized access and use by the Teleworker's personal equipment (i.e.,
County issued hot spot hooked up to personal laptop or cellphone,etc...) or used by others, including
family members, friends, and other visitors. Costs incurred by personal use shall be paid by the
Teleworker.
18.11 Application and Renewal
Employees may apply for Telework using the approved form. Requests will be considered on an individual
basis.
Telework requests will be reviewed, at a minimum, annually to validate arrangements are still effective
and in the best interest of the County.
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Chapter 19 —Artificial Intelligence (Al) Policy
19.1 Purpose
This policy outlines the principles and procedures for the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) tools by Mason
County employees, contractors, and partners. It aims to ensure responsible, ethical, and transparent
application of Al while maximizing its potential for public benefit.
19.2 Scope
This policy applies to all Mason County elected officials, personnel, contractors, and partners who utilize
Al tools for official county purposes, including service delivery, research, operational improvement, and
communication.
19.3 Principles
Mason County acknowledges both the benefits and potential risks associated with Al in the public sector.
The county commits to using Al in a manner that upholds the following principles:
a. Accountability: Individuals using Al are accountable for their actions and decisions involving these
tools.They must comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and best practices. Any issues or
incidents involving Al must be reported to supervisors or designated authorities.
b. Transparency: The purpose, function, and limitations of Al tools should be transparent to the public
and stakeholders. Clear and understandable explanations of how Al works and its outputs are crucial.
c. Fairness: Al tools should be utilized in a fair and unbiased manner.Algorithmic bias and discriminatory
results based on protected characteristics must be avoided. Regular monitoring and evaluation of Al
performance and impact are essential to address potential unfairness.
d. Privacy:The privacy of individuals whose data may be used by Al tools must be respected. Consent
must be obtained before collecting or processing personal or sensitive data.The confidentiality and
security of such data are paramount.
e. Quality: High-quality and accurate Al tools are crucial. Reliable data sources and effective testing and
validation procedures are essential to ensure accurate and reliable outputs.
f. Human Oversight: No Al-generated document shall be released to the public without human review
and modification.This ensures factual accuracy, alignment with county values, and appropriate tone
and language.
19.4 Implementation
To implement these principles, the following procedures are established:
a. Acquisition: All Al tools must be approved by the designated IT department and IT steering
committee, ensuring compliance with this policy and relevant regulations.
b. Training: Employees using Al tools will receive appropriate training on responsible Al use, including
ethical considerations, bias mitigation techniques, and data privacy practices.
c. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of Al tools will be conducted to assess
their effectiveness,fairness, and impact on individuals and communities.
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d. Incident Reporting: Any issues or incidents involving Al must be reported to designated authorities for
investigation and appropriate action.
e. Review and Revision:This policy will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in
technology, legislation, and best practices.
19.5 Enforcement
Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all Mason County elected officials, personnel, contractors,
and partners. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts.
19.6 Resources/Contact
Resources:
• Mason County IT department and IT steering Committee: For guidance on Al tool acquisition and
support, or for information on data privacy and security practices.
• Office of Human Resources: For training opportunities on responsible Al use.
Contact:
For any questions or concerns regarding this policy, please contact the Mason County IT department.
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Mason County Personnel Policies Adoption Chronology
Action Resolution Number Date
Original Adoption 148-99 December 21, 1999
Revised Chapter 6.3 63-00 July 5, 2000
Add Chapter 5.8 7-01 January 23, 2001
Revised Chapter 5.6 93-01 August 28, 2001
Revised Chapter 4.6 and 7.11 37-14 July 8, 2014
Revised Chapter 5.3 71-15 December 22, 2015
Revised Chapter 8.3 27-16 May 24, 2016
Added Chapter 15.1-15.4 56-16 September 20, 2016
Revised Chapter 4.5 70-16 October 18, 2016
Added Chapter 16.1-16.7 102-16 December 20, 2016
Revised Chapter 13 19-17 April 11, 2017
Revised Chapter 7 & 13 04-18 February 6, 2018
Added Chapter 2.3 22-18 April 3, 2018
Revised Chapter 14.5 68-19 July 23, 2019
Added Chapter 14.6
Revised Chapter 4.2, 4.3, 5.5, 89-19 September 3, 2019
5.10, 7.9, and 13
Revised Chapter 16.7 96-19 October 8, 2019
Revised Chapter 7.9 and 8.5 2020-01 January 7, 2020
Revised Chapter 13 2020-24 March 3, 2020
Revised Chapter 4.5 2020-28 March 17, 2020
Revised Chapter 4.3 and 7.10 2020-86 November 3, 2020
Revised Chapter 3.5, 5.1, 5.2, 2021-047 August 3, 2021
5.3, 5.12, 7, 7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.10,
7.11, and 17
Added Chapter 5.13 2022-036 May, 2022
Revised Chapters 2-17 2022-087 December 6, 2022
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Revised Chapters 1-17 2023-011 February 28, 2023
Revised Chapters 1-17 2023-031 May 9, 2023
Revised Chapters 1-17 2023-047 September 12, 2023
Revised Chapters 3, 8, 10, 12, 18 2023-057 October 24, 2023
Revised Chapters 4, 5, 7 2024-009 February 13, 2024
Addition of Chapter 7.14, 19
Removed 5.10 Career Incentive Pay 2024-012 February 27,2024
Policy
Added Chapter 2 Section 4 2026-019 June 9, 2026
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