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City of Eugene <br />Human Resources <br />Gifts, Sponsorships, Charitable Contributions, and Memberships Guide <br />Gifts, Sponsorships, Charitable <br />Contributions, and Memberships Guide <br />Definition <br />A "gift" is something of economic value given to a public official or the official's relative <br />or a member of the official's household that is not also offered to others who are not <br />public officials, their relatives or household members on the same terms. Generally, <br />"others" means at least a substantial number of persons, not just a few persons in <br />addition to a large number of public officials. <br />When a gift or discount is given to a group of employees, that benefit must be available <br />to all "like" non - government groups. For example, a local fitness club may offer <br />discounts to all employers in the community. In this case the City staff would be <br />receiving a benefit that is available to other non- government organizations as well so it <br />is acceptable. Another acceptable example is that several credit unions allow City <br />employees to be members by virtue of their employment at the City; however, that same <br />offer is extended to other non - government employees. <br />The gift limits apply generally to meals and entertainment provided to a public official, <br />but there are exceptions for food or beverage at an event where the public employee is <br />representing the employee's governmental entity or the food and beverage are merely <br />an incidental part of a reception and no cost is placed on the food or beverage. <br />Similarly, entertainment that is merely an incidental part of another event is not <br />considered a gift. The laws regulating gifts are complex and contain additional <br />exceptions. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission can provide additional <br />guidance. <br />Sponsorships and Donations to City Programs <br />The use of donations and sponsorships is an acceptable means for City programs to <br />obtain resources and reduce costs. Donations and sponsorships are increasingly <br />popular due to tight budgets. In some cases a City service may be highly dependent on <br />partnerships that include donations and /or sponsorships. When done correctly, the <br />hitp: / /ceshare/cs /hr /Guides Procedures / Gifts– Sponsarships– Charitable_Contributlons ald Mel'. berships_Guide.docx <br />-1- — — Last updated 07/07/2011 <br />