Agenda - Council - 03/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-48- facilities. One city had also noted that they allowed training beyond current job-related skills if it was determined those skills may someday be needed or desirable for a job promotion. Most cities offer 100 percent reimbursement for computer training.' For training not directly related to the employee's job, one city noted they reimburse 50-75 percent of training depending on the grade received. There was not a uniform answer of a cap to the dollar amount spent on training for an employee per year although a couple of cities mentioned it as a budgeting issue. One city noted that they pay 100 percent of the first $1,000 of training and 50 percent of any additional costs beyond the first $1,000. Computer training centers appear to be used more frequently than self-paced matehals. Of the cities that responded to the survey, computer training centers were more frequently recommended than self-paced materials. One city commented that self-paced materials were not successful and one city noted that they were just starting to use Element K. Recommended computer training centers included Anoka County, New Horizons, CompUSA, Science Museum of Minnesota, North Hennepin Community College, Dakota County Technical College, and Catapult. Human Resources Manager Heryla explained that the City of Ramsey's current Education and Tuition Reimbursement Policy basically states that the City will pay 100 percent of' approved job-related, position specific training and will reimburse 50 percent of an employees' tuition at a post-secondary institution if pre-approved as job-related and a benefit to the City as an employer. Although computer training is not mentioned specifically, an employee would currently be reimbursed 100 percent if job-related and is regulated by a "gatekeeper" system of supervisors, applications for tuition reimbursement, and must fall within budget. Based on the information obtained form other cities, some options to amend the policy, should the Council wish to do so, may include: 1. Computer training language added to the existing policy with no other changes. 2. Computer training language added to the existing policy including non-,job rel. ated training completed (during/outside) business hours and reimbursed (100 percent/some percentage) based on grade received. 3. Computer training language added to the existing policy including non-job related training if a supervisor believes such training would be beneficial or necessary to prepare an employee for a possible promotion in the future. The training would be completed (during/outside) business hours and reimbursed (100 percent/some percentage) based on grade received. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired if staff recalled any of the costs associated with any of the various facilities. Human Resources Manager Heryla replied that the cost can range anywhere from $l 50 to $400 depending on the class. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that a certain amount of familiarity with computers is part of being successful in a job and he thinks if behooves everyone to get that level of capability and if they have people that are inclined to do so outside of the work day then the City should support that, but within limitations. Personnel Committee/January 23, 2001 Page 4 of 5 I i I i I I I' ! I I I I I I I I