NYS Comptroller Seal  

Bureau of State Payroll Services

Date:  April 18, 2002

Bulletin No. 313

Subject Cash Merit Awards for Management/Confidential Employees
Purpose To provide guidelines and processing procedures for Merit Awards for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Affected Employees Employees working full or part-time in an annual salaried position designated Management/Confidential (BU-06) and employees of:

Division of State Police (BU-18)
Environmental Facilities Corporation (BU-34)
Division of Military and Naval Affairs (BU-46)
Temporary Commission of Investigation (BU-52)
Public Employment Relations Board (BU-66)
Legislative Commissions (BU-79)
State University Construction Fund (BU-96)

Elected officials and employees covered by section 169 of the Executive Law are ineligible for merit awards.
Effective Date Immediately
References Budget Bulletin D-1107, April 1, 2002 General Salary Increases and 2002-2003 Performance Advances, Merit Awards and Longevity Payments for Managerial or Confidential (M/C) Employees, issued 3/22/02. Web Site address: http://www.budget.state.ny.us/bprm/bulletins/d-1107.html

Budget Policy and Reporting Manual Section D-280, Performance Advances and Merit Awards for Managerial or Confidential (M/C) Employees, issued 3/22/02. Web site address: http://www.budget.state.ny.us/bprm/d/d280.html
Cash Merit Award Guidelines The Cash Merit Award is a lump sum payment, which is not added to the employee's basic annual salary.

An individual employee may receive more than one cash Merit Award during this fiscal year assuming the cumulative value does not exceed 3.5% of the employee's basic annual salary.

Merit awards to full or part-time employees are pro-rated based on the percentage of time worked at the time of eligibility.

Merit awards to employees on voluntary reduction in work schedule (VRWS) are not pro-rated.

Merit Awards to employees on sick leave at half pay are based on the percentage of time worked prior to sick leave at half pay.

Employees on leave without pay and employees who have separated from the agency are eligible for Cash Merit Awards at the discretion of the agency.

Cash Merit Awards are not included in the calculation of overtime.
Computing Award Limits The cumulative value of Cash Merit Award payments cannot exceed 3.5% of the employee's base annual salary at the close of the fiscal year (2002-2003).
Agency Actions Submit transactions for Merit Award payments for eligible employees through the time entry panel:
Earnings Begin Date: Enter the date of eligibility in the M/C position
Earnings End Date: Enter the same date as the Begin date
Earn Code: MER
Amount: Enter payment amount (not to Exceed 3.5% of the base annual salary)
Comment: If applicable
Payroll Register and Employee Paycheck The earn code Merit Award M/C and the amount will be displayed on the payroll register and the employee's check or direct deposit advice.
Reveal Report A Reveal Report, M/C Cash Merit Award Report (NPAY747) is issued monthly. This report will identify all employees who have received a Merit Award (MER Earnings Code) in the fiscal year.
Questions Questions about Merit Award payments may be directed to the Payroll Audit mailbox.

Questions about the Reveal Report may be directed to the Payroll Deductions mailbox.