The partnerships in excellence program is intended to provide a mechanism for enhancing employee morale and rewarding day-to-day achievement of standards of excellence. The partnerships in excellence program also fosters a more satisfying work climate in which employee participation, initiative, and teamwork are encouraged and rewarded. (Ord. 92-0041 § 1 (part), 1992.)

The partnerships in excellence program shall be developed and administered by departments pursuant to guidelines developed by the chief administrative office. Departments shall include substantial employee involvement in the development and administration of the program. (Ord. 92-0041 § 1 (part), 1992.)

In general, all county employees can be participants. Selection of the participant base is left to the discretion of the individual departments, although departments are encouraged to establish as broad an employee base as possible. (Ord. 92-0041 § 1 (part), 1992.)

Typical reward categories are recognition, merchandise, entertainment, and self-improvement. Each department will customize a program, selecting the type of behavior to be rewarded and the type or range of rewards to be provided. Rewards shall be non-cash. (Ord. 92-0041 § 1 (part), 1992.)

Departments shall be authorized to incur any necessary recognition and rewards expenses, from approved annual departmental budgets related to the partnerships in excellence program. (Ord. 92-0041 § 1 (part), 1992.)