§ 207. Assistance and expenditure

(a) Each department herein specified is empowered to employ such assistance, clerical or otherwise, as the Governor deems necessary for its proper and efficient administration and, subject to his or her approval, to fix the compensation to be paid therefor. No department shall expend or authorize an expenditure in excess of the amount appropriated therefor in any fiscal year.

(b) Agency secretaries and department heads are authorized to recruit, train and accept without regard to the civil service classification laws, rules and regulations, and without statutory compensation, the services of temporary volunteers for, or in aid of, interpretive function, visitor services, or other activities in and related to areas administered by the agency secretary or department head.

(1) Except as provided in this section, a volunteer shall not be deemed a State employee and shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to State employment and a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Vermont and the Vermont State Employees’ Association, Inc., including those relating to hours of work, rates of compensation, leave, and State employees benefits.

(2) The consideration for volunteer services is education, training, and experience.

(3) The appointing authority is authorized to provide reimbursement for such necessary incidental expenses as transportation, uniforms, lodging, and subsistence.

(4) [Repealed.]

(5) Volunteer services shall not be used to displace existing or vacant State positions but will be used to satisfy unmet public service needs. To insure compliance with the intent hereof and merit system principles, any department or agency employing temporary volunteers shall secure the approval of the Commissioner of Human Resources. (Amended 1973, No. 117, §§ 21, 22; 1989, No. 114, § 11(a)(1); 2003, No. 156 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)