Solid Waste Authority updates employee handbook, raises tuition reimbursement to match county

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County presented a revised employee handbook that includes hiring clarifications, a new social-media section and an increase in tuition reimbursement. Authority staff said the handbook had not been updated since 2014 and the changes are largely housekeeping and legal updates.

Why it matters: Handbook updates affect terms and conditions for employees across the authority, including how prior criminal acts are considered during hiring and guidance on employee social media activity that could reflect on the authority.

What changed: Staff described a clarification that prior criminal acts will not be used in the initial stages of interviews but may be considered later if HR identifies an issue. Tuition reimbursement was increased to $2,700 per year for undergraduate coursework and $3,700 per year for graduate coursework; staff estimated annual spending on the program at roughly $10,000–$15,000 and said only a few employees use it now. A new social-media section reminds employees that public posts can reflect on the authority and that only authorized spokespeople should speak on behalf of the authority. Staff also proposed allowing the executive director to make minor, non-budgetary updates to the handbook without board approval.

Board action: Commissioner Weiss voiced support for increasing the tuition reimbursement and the chair moved that the authority match county reimbursement levels. The motion received a second and the board voted 'Aye'; the chair announced the motion carries.

Context and limits: Staff said the paid parental-leave update and Juneteenth holiday were prior substantive handbook changes previously approved by the board. The motion at this meeting increases tuition reimbursements to align with county levels; specifics of the county’s current reimbursement schedule were not recorded in the meeting minutes.

What’s next: The board approved the handbook changes and authorized staff to implement the tuition reimbursement increase. Staff said they will bring significant future or budget-affecting changes to the board for approval.