Employee Golf Policy
David Moeller
I would like to thank the employees who shared their concerns about changing the policy for employee golf. Two-way communication is important to dispel rumors and correct misinformation.
Everyone on the Board understands that when we talk about changing a policy that affects employees, people will be concerned and the best thing we can do is share as much information as quickly as possible. So let me start with a statement that came from a group of employees. They felt that changing the employee golf benefit is a demonstration of how little we value our employees. This sentiment can’t be further from the true way we view our employees. Maybe those of us on the Board need to take more opportunities to express how much we recognize and appreciate the contributions of our employees.
The real reason we are reviewing the policy regarding the golf benefit for employees is that IRS regulations and codes change, interpretations change, and the Association needs to regularly review our policies to ensure we are compliant. After reviewing a number of legal opinions on this issue, we recognized that the current policy needs to be updated. Our goal for the revised policy is simple: be in compliance and provide a benefit to employees in a manner that has the least financial impact to employees and to the Association. We began looking at alternatives in our recent Monday meeting with the GM where the Board discussed drafts of a revised policy P6 . Those discussion led us to request additional options to consider. At this time we have asked our tax specialists to provide additional information and reviews. It’s a slow process to change a policy of this importance, but we recognize that it is essential that we get this right.
While we work on revising this policy, the current benefit will be in effect. As new information is available, we will keep you informed and we will ask for your input and suggestions before a final revision is adopted. We respect and appreciate the work of all employees. Let’s keep the lines of communication open while we implement a workable solution.
Hi Mr. Walker. Because this deals with legal issues and personnel, we’re not at liberty to discuss it in depth. We have met with the managers and they are keeping their employees in the loop. We are awaiting direction from the Governing Board before we discuss it further with employees.
Yes, there certainly have been lots of rumors going around.
Can you be more specific with what IRS regulations you are talking about?
How will you keep the employees informed and ask for input and suggestions prior to making a final revision?