City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Release of Stipend Contingency Funds for Individuals Currently Enrolled in Secondary Education on City Boards and Commissions
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ISSUE: Release of Contingency Funds to provide student members of boards and commissions with stipend for participation on boards and commissions.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
Allocate Contingency Funds in the amount of $5,000 to be available for a stipend for students participating in boards and commissions.
BACKGROUND: As part of the FY 2025 Add/Delete process, City Council added $5,000 for staff to develop and present to Council a proposal for a Boards, Commissions, and Committees stipend program for young Alexandrians. The proposal should address such questions as who would be eligible and why; how access, equity, and volunteerism would be considered; and how the program would be implemented.
DISCUSSION: Under Virginia Code Section 15.2-1411, the City Council is authorized to reimburse members for actual expenses incurred while serving on a board, commission, or committee. Additionally, the Council may provide compensation for attendance at regularly scheduled meetings.
While the Council has the legal authority to provide stipends for board, commission, or committee service, it is important that the stipends be provided in a non-discriminatory and equitable manner. The government generally cannot treat individuals differently based upon their age. A legally defensible and equitable approach involves authorizing stipends for individuals who meet the following criteria during their service:
* Enrollment in a secondary school, trade school, college, or graduate-level courses.
* Annual income not exceeding $5,000, excluding income from student loans.
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