Shelter Animal Resource Alliance

“It is S.A.R.A.'s Policy that the Board of Directors review the IRS form 990 that is filed on behalf of the organization before it is filed with the IRS. A board resolution is not required for the form 990 to be filed. The means of delivery shall be in hard copy delivered to each director's mailing address.”

“Conflict of interest arises whenever the personal or professional interest of a Board Member is potentially at odds with the best interest of S.A.R.A. Although the legal standards for avoiding conflict of interest for nonprofit organizations are fairly limited, S.A.R.A. will avoid where possible even the appearance of impropriety. Individuals and businesses qualified to provide goods and services in Lane County area are limited, therefore situations may arise where Board Members are Commercially engaged by S.A.R.A. No member of the Board of Directors, or any of its Committees, shall derive any personal profit or gain, directly or indirectly, by reason of his or her participation with S.A.R.A. Because these situations all involve potential conflict of interest for a Board Member, it is the responsibility of the Board Member to: 1. Identify the potential conflict of interest. 2. Not participate in discussion of the program or motion being considered. 3. Not vote on the issue. It is the responsibility of the Board to: 1. Only decide to hire or contract with the Board Member if they are the best qualified individuals available, and willing to provide goods or services needed at the best price. 2. Record in the minutes of the Board Meeting the potential conflict of interest, and the use of the procedures and criteria of this policy. S.A.R.A.'s conflict of interest policy is reviewed annually.”

“The process for determining compensation for the Executive Director and other key employees starts with a review of the executive by independent members of the board. Compensation levels are determined by comparing the salaries of a minimum of three similarly qualified persons working in functionally comparable positions at organizations within our area. Comparisons are also based on the size of the organization's budget, the type of organization, and the specific responsibilities of the individual. Compensation is also performance based, with the independent members of the board reviewing annually tangible results and accomplishments made by the executive that directly benefits the organization. Additionally, there is to be contemporaneous documentation and record-keeping with respect to deliberations and decisions regarding the compensation arrangement. Once the agreement is reached concerning the executive compensation, the agreement is formalized with a written document executed by the organization and the executive.”

“Governing documents (articles of incorporation, bylaws, and constitution), government forms, the conflicts of interest policy, and financial forms will be publicly available. Hard copies will be available at the organization's location for the inspection during business hours, and copies can be mailed or emailed upon request. A copy of the IRS form 990 will be available on the Guidestar web page.”