Q. Can gifts be made to local officials (such as a board member, superintendent, principal, council member, mayor, etc.)?

A. Gifts cannot be made to local officials, unless the gift is purchased with employee funds. Public funds may not be used.

Q. Are there types of gifts that are considered appropriate for public employees?

A. The following gifts are considered appropriate: trinkets or mementos costing $5 or less, refreshments not to exceed $3, and a plaque or similar memento recognizing individual services in a specialty field.

Q. Are there types of gifts that are considered to be inappropriate for public employees?

A. Gift cards and bonuses are considered to be inappropriate gifts as they are too similar to cash and other forms of compensation.

For additional questions, contact one of our Governmental Audit experts.