1. (1) Reimbursements. If an employer reimburses a member for expenses incurred in providing services for the employer, the purpose of the payment is to pay the member back for out-of-pocket expenses. The payment is not compensation. It is not a salary or wage and is not basic salary for LEOFF Plan I.

2. (2) Allowances. An allowance paid in lieu of a specific reimbursement for expenses a member is expected to incur in providing services for the employer is characterized the same as a specific reimbursement. The purpose of the payment is to reimburse the member for anticipated out-of-pocket expenses. The payment is not compensation. It is not a salary or wage and does not qualify as basic salary for LEOFF Plan I.

   Example:

   An employer provides an annual stipend for the purchase of a uniform or other clothing required for the performance of a member's duties. The payment is a reimbursement for expenses incurred or expected to be incurred and is not basic salary for LEOFF Plan I.

3. (3) Payments based on additional certification or qualifications. If a member receives payments based upon personal expenses incurred in maintaining a certification or qualification, the payment is reimbursement, not compensation. It is not a salary or wage and is not LEOFF Plan I basic salary.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 41.50.050 and 41.50.055. WSR 97-01-016, § 415-104-3404, filed 12/6/96, effective 1/6/97.]