Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-operative Page 1 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Introduction This document is entitled “Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-operative,” and is enacted by the Montavilla Food Co-operative Board of Directors under the authority granted to the board by s. 62.280(1) ORS to exercise the corporate powers of the co-operative and to direct the management of its business affairs; and by s. 4.1 MFC Bylaws to “have full power and responsibility to govern the Cooperative, including, but not limited to, hiring management and evaluating its performance, and assuring that the mission of the Cooperative is carried out.” It is the intent of the board to govern the co-operative through a unified, written, accessible policy code that is carefully considered and easily amendable. [History: Introduction created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 2 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 1 – Governance Policy Chapter 1 Shared Values Policy Chapter 2 Ethics Policy Chapter 3 Member Democracy Policy Chapter 4 Board Rules Policy This part is entitled “Governance Policy,” and is intended to create a free, fair, productive, efficient, democratic, transparent governance process focused on achieving the mission of the co-operative. The Governance Policy consists of the following policies: [History: Governance Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 3 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 1, Chapter 1 – Shared Values Policy Section 1 Intent. This chapter is entitled “Shared Values Policy,” and it is intended to clearly state the shared values of the co-operative in one place; and to promote awareness of these values during co-operative decision-making. Section 2 Purposes of Montavilla Food Co-operative. In accordance with the Article II of the Articles of Incorporation, the purposes of the Montavilla Food Co-operative are to: Subsection (a) Lawful Activities. Engage in any lawful activities for which a co-operative may be organized under Ch. 62 ORS. The cooperative is organized and shall be operated exclusively on a co-operative and non-profit basis. Subsection (b) Community Access to Healthy Food. Provide the community with convenient, affordable access to an inventory of healthy foods that are determined solely by the co-operative’s membership. Subsection (c) Statement on Co-operative Identity. Be managed and governed by its membership in accordance with the 7 co-operative principles as adopted by the International Co-operative Alliance. Subsection (d) Local Agricultural and Economic Support. Actively support local agriculture, and the local economy. Subsection (e) Fair Labor Practices. Support fair labor practices as key to nurturing a healthy community. Subsection (f) Green Sustainable Business. Endeavor to be a green business, and implement sustainable practices. Section 3 Mission of the Montavilla Food Co-operative. The Mission of the Montavilla Food Co-operative is to connect the east Portland community to healthy food, support local farmers and producers, build community wealth and advance sustainability initiatives all within a centrally located, co-operative grocery. Section 4 Posting. The Purposes of the Montavilla Food Co-op, the Statement on the Co-operative Identity, and the Mission of the Montavilla Food Co-op must be posted prominently at the co-operative. Page 4 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 [History: Shared Values Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 5 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 1, Chapter 2 – Ethics Policy Section 1 Intent. This chapter is entitled “Ethics Policy,” and it is intended to establish a set of ethical standards expected of the people entrusted with the governance and operations of the co-operative. Section 2 Positions of Trust. Every director, officer, and worker of the cooperative holds a co-operative position of trust. Section 3 Ethical Expectations. Every person who holds a co-operative position of trust shall: Subsection (a) Conduct. Commit to ethical, respectful, co-operative, professional, and lawful conduct; and Subsection (b) Good Faith. Act in good faith, in a manner which the person believes to be in the best interest of the co-operative, and with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under similar circumstances; and Subsection (c) Un-conflicted Loyalty. Demonstrate un-conflicted loyalty to the interests of the co-operative. This accountability supersedes any conflicting loyalty such as that to advocacy or interest groups, membership on other boards or staffs, and the personal interest of any person acting as an individual consumer or co-op member; and Subsection (d) Self-Dealing. Not self-deal or conduct private business or personal services with the co-operative except as procedurally controlled to assure openness, competitive opportunity and equal access to information; and Subsection (e) Abstain if Conflict of Interest. Abstain from the conversation, debate, vote or decision in any situation where the person has an unavoidable conflict of interest; and Subsection (f) Express Authority. Not act on behalf of or speak for a body on which the person serves without express authority from that body; and Subsection (g) Confidentiality. Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature and continue to honor confidentiality after leaving the body; and Page 6 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Subsection (h) Support Legitimate Authority. Support the legitimacy and authority of the decisions a body of the co-operative makes on any matter, irrespective of personal opinions on the issue; and Subsection (i) Resignation. Resign as director before applying for employment at the co-operative. [History: Ethics Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 7 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 1, Chapter 3 – Member Democracy Section 1 Intent. This chapter is entitled “Member Democracy,” and it is intended to ensure transparent, free, fair, and democratic director nominations and elections and member meetings and votes; and to comply with: s. 4.2 MFC Bylaws which requires the board to establish a Nomination Committee and to prescribe the manner in which annual director elections must occur; s. 62.255 – 62.275 ORS [ ], and with s. 2 – 3 MFC Bylaws [ ]. Section 2 Director Nominations. The Nomination Committee shall: Subsection (a) Online Nominations. Make nomination papers and procedures available online so that all members of the cooperative have access at all times. Subsection (b) Forms and Instructions. Make official nomination forms and instructions available to each member of the cooperative. Subsection (c) Committee Nominations. Nominate qualified candidates to stand for director during the annual director election. Subsection (d) Member Nominations. Nominate any candidate who has submitted nomination papers signed by at least fifteen members of the co-operative. Subsection (e) Annual Nomination Deadline. Submit annual director nominations to the board and to the Elections Team no later than 45 days before the annual membership meeting. Subsection (f) Vacancy Nominations. Whenever the board or the president so requests, submit qualified director nominations to the board to fill director vacancies between annual elections. Subsection (g) Nomination Postings. The Committee shall post all nominations online, so that all members of the co-operative may have access to them at all times. Section 3 Calendar. By August 1 of each year, the Elections Team shall determine a calendar for the nomination and election of the directors. The team shall determine the calendar for all other ballot questions in conjunction with the president and in accordance with Oregon law. [define ballot question] Page 8 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Section 4. Elections and Ballot Questions. All director elections and ballot question occur as in-person or absentee votes at an annual or special membership meeting. Proponents and opponents of any ballot question, and each nominee shall have the option of providing a statement of not more than 400 words that shall be distributed to the membership at this forum and posted so that all members of the co-operative may have access at all times. Section 5 Results. The team shall tabulate the votes and certify and announce the results of each election or ballot question. Vote tabulation and the announcement of results, including vote totals, shall be completed immediately after the adjournment of the annual membership meeting. All ballots shall be initialed by the Team and secured for three months following the announcement of the results. The nominees who receive the most votes are elected to the board. Results of ballot questions shall be announced depending upon the laws and policies regarding each ballot question. [research] Any ties which have no impact on the outcome of the elections shall be ignored. In the event of a tie which impacts the outcome of who will be elected or in the event of a tie which affects who will get a shorter term, such outcomes will be settled by the appropriate tied parties by drawing lots. Section 7 Annual Member Meetings. In accordance with s. 3.1 MFC Bylaws, beginning in 2015 the board determines that the annual membership meeting shall be held in East Portland each September as determined by the Elections Team. The annual membership meeting agenda shall be as follows: 1. Call to Order; and 2. Determination of Quorum; and 3. Annual Operation and Finance Report of the Board of Directors to the Membership; and 4. Such Other Business as Directed by the Board or the President Section 8 Member Votes. In accordance with s. 3.4 MFC Bylaws, voting by the membership to elect or remove directors or on any ballot question shall be conducted under the direction of the Secretary by the Elections Team by means of an anonymous in-person secret ballot with the option of an absentee ballot bearing the voter’s signature. All ballots shall be paper, and absentee ballots must be mailed to each member of the co-operative at least four weeks prior to the meeting at which the election is to take place. Absentee ballots shall remain private, and only the team shall verify the signature and validity of the said ballot. Names shall appear on the ballot in random order. Members may cast only one ballot in any election or on any question. Members may vote for no more director candidates than there are open seats. The team shall prepare, issue, and secure forms and ballots; and conduct absentee and in person voting. The team shall make determinations regarding the voting eligibility of a member, protect against unauthorized voting, and make determinations Page 9 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 regarding the validity of a ballot or group of ballots. The team shall make interpretations of co-operative elections law and policy regarding the conduct of a director election in progress. Section 9 Quorum. In accordance with s. 3.5 MFC Bylaws, the board determines that five percent of the active members of the co-operative constitutes quorum. [History: Member Democracy Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 10 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 1, Chapter 4 – Board Rules Policy S 1 Intent. It is the intent of the board, through this policy, to govern Montavilla Food Co-operative efficiently, fairly, openly, respectfully, and courteously. Section 2 Enforcement. It is the responsibility of the president to enforce this policy. It is the responsibility of any person presiding over a body to which this policy applies to preside according to this policy. Section 3 Application. This policy applies to the board and to all committees, subcommittees, councils, groups, teams or other bodies exercising delegated powers of the board or otherwise subject to the control, selection or approval by the board. Section 4 Planning [History: s 4 renamed 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Subsection (a) Strategic Plan. Every June, the board shall elect from among its own members a Strategic Planning Chair to lead the board in the organization, writing, and adoption of a strategic plan by November of each year. The plan shall be in the form of a resolution. The plan shall contain objectives and goals focused on supporting and achieving the shared values and mission of the co-operative; and deadlines for the completion of specific elements of the plan; and designations of the persons or groups responsible for implementation of each specific objective and goal. The board should seek recommendations and input for the plan from the members of the co-operative, and from stake holders and allies outside the co-operative. [History: s 4 (a) created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Subsection (b) Evaluation and Work Plan. Every September, the secretary of the board shall cause the board to receive an evaluation including self-assessment, meeting productivity assessment, full group assessment and, as appropriate, co-operative member feedback. The board shall review the results of each evaluation. [History: s (4) renumbered as s. (4) (b) 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 11 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Section 5 Notices, Agendas, Minutes, Open Meetings, and Executive Sessions. Subsection (a) Content of Notices. A meeting notice must specify the name of the body meeting, and the agenda, date, time, and place of the meeting. Notices must be approved by the person or persons authorized to call the meeting. Subsection (b) Posting and Delivery of Notices. At least ten calendar days prior to a meeting, the presiding officer of the body meeting shall: Paragraph (a) Each Member. Deliver the notice to each member of the body that is meeting; and Paragraph (b) Office Posting. Post the notice conspicuously at the co-operative office; and Paragraph (c) Online Posting. Post the notice online, so that all members of the co-operative are allowed access to the notice and its attachments at all times. Paragraph (d) Items Not Noticed Are Out of Order. Except by unanimous consent, only agenda items enumerated in the notice are in order at any meeting. Subsection (c) Minutes. The Minutes of a body shall be kept by the secretary of that body. Within five days of each meeting, the secretary shall post draft minutes conspicuously in writing at the co-operative office and online, so that all members are allowed access at all times. Whenever a body approves final minutes, its secretary shall update the posted draft minutes and note the date of their approval. Minutes shall include: Paragraph (a) Name. Name of body meeting; and Paragraph (b) Time and Place. Date, hour, location, and time of adjournment of meeting; and Paragraph (c) Present. Names of those present entitled to vote, and those present not entitled to vote; and Paragraph (d) Matters Considered. Each matter considered and the action taken, if any; and Paragraph (f) Complete Text. A complete and full text of any motions, resolutions, recommendations or policy adopted by the body; and Page 12 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Paragraph (g) Names and Positions. Names of persons appearing, other than members of the body, the matter on which they appear, and the position taken; and Paragraph (h) Out-of-Session Referrals. In the case of the board, any out-of-session referrals to committee made since the last regular meeting. Subsection (d) Open Meetings. All meetings of a body are open to the members of the co-operative unless closed under the provisions of this policy. Subsection (e) Convening in Executive Session. Any meeting or any part a meeting of a body to which this policy applies may be convened in executive session only under the rules of this policy. Subsection (f) Executive Session Announcement. Before the board decides to convene in executive session, the presiding officer must announce to those present at that meeting: the general nature of the business to be considered at such an executive session; and the specific provisions under this policy by which such executive session is authorized. Such announcement shall become part of the minutes. Subsection (g) Impermissible Executive Session Actions. No business is in order in an executive session unless it relates to matters contained in the executive session announcement made by the presiding officer. Subsection (h) Executive Session Attendance. No person may attend an executive session except directors, and the persons specified in the motion. Subsection (i) Reasons for an Executive Session. An executive session may be held for any of the following reasons: Paragraph (a) Personnel or Harassment. Deliberating concerning any personnel, or harassment proceeding; or Paragraph (b) Employment. Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any employee; or Paragraph (c) Crime Prevention. Considering strategy for crime prevention or fraud detection; or Paragraph (d) Competition or Bargaining. Whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require; or Paragraph (f) Specific Persons. Considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, Page 13 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations; or Paragraph (g) Legal Counsel. Conferring with legal counsel who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved; or Paragraph (h) Executive Session Minutes. Review and approval of executive session minutes; or Paragraph (i) Legal Reasons. Any reason as required by law. Section 6 Officers. The president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer are the officers of the co-operative. The president and vice president must be directors, and the secretary and treasurer may be directors. Section 7 Regular Board Meetings. Regular board meetings shall be held monthly according to a calendar proposed by the president and approved by the board. The president may cancel or reschedule any scheduled regular meeting upon such advance notice to the directors as is practical under the circumstances. Regular meeting agendas shall be as follows: Subsection (a) Call To Order; and Subsection (b) Announcements; and Subsection (c) Approval of the Minutes; and Subsection (d) Approval of the Agenda; and Subsection (f) Programs and Special Matters; and Subsection (g) Governance Reports (at the first regular meeting of every January and June reports shall be presented by the officers); and Subsection (h) Management Reports (Reports shall include operations, marketing, maintenance, information systems, personnel, and finance reports); and Subsection (i) Recommendations and Reports of Standing Committees; and Subsection (j) Recommendations and Reports of Special Committees; and Page 14 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Subsection (k) Old Business; and Subsection (l) New Business [History: final sentence of s. 7 created by Res. Amending Board Rules Policy 5/15/14, effective 5/20/14.] Section 8 Organizational Board Meetings. Organizational board meetings shall be the first meeting of the board following the annual election of directors. Organizational meeting agendas shall be as follows: Subsection (a) Call to Order; and Subsection (b) Announcements; and Subsection (c) Seating of the Newly Elected Directors; and Subsection (d) Amendment of the Board Rules [History: final sentence of s. 8 created by Res. Amending Board Rules Policy 5/15/14, effective 5/20/14.] Section 9 Special Board Meetings. Special board meetings may be called by the president, and shall be called by the president upon the request of a majority of the directors in the form of a meeting notice. Special meeting agendas shall be as follows: Subsection (a) Call to Order; and Subsection (b) Such business as is placed on the agenda in the notice [History: final sentence of Section 9 created by Res. Amending the Board Rules Policy 5/15/14; effective 5/20/14] Section 10 Reports. No later than five days prior to pertinent meetings of the board, appropriate agents of the co-operative shall submit written reports to the secretary for distribution to the directors including analysis and information required by policy to be reported to the board, or which warrants the attention of the board. Section 11 Consideration of Policy. Subsection (a) Written Resolutions. Except for procedural motions, long or complicated motions should be made as written resolutions. The president may require that any non-procedural motion be introduced as a written resolution. Each resolution must include a title and a brief explanation. A resolution is introduced whenever one of the following occurs: Page 15 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Paragraph (a) Motion. A motion is made and seconded to adopt the resolution on the floor of the board; or Paragraph (b) Committee Vote. A committee votes to recommend that the board adopt the resolution; or Paragraph (c) Written Motion. Any two directors submit to the secretary a written motion and second to adopt the resolution. Immediately following such a submission, the president shall refer the motion to whichever bodies, in accordance with the duties of those bodies, is relevant, for study and recommendations before action is taken by the board. Subsection (b) Referral, Numbering and Posting. The board may refer resolutions which are properly before it to a body before the board takes further action. Within three days of introduction, the secretary shall assign to each resolution a unique number according to the order in which it was introduced, and by which it may be cited. At the time of introduction a copy of each resolution must be posted online so that it is available to all members of the co-operative at all times. Subsection (c) Committee Consideration. Within thirty days of the referral of any motion to adopt a resolution, the bodies to which the resolution was referred shall consider the motion. The chair shall notify the members responsible for introducing the resolution, and the principal stakeholders treated by the resolution. Subsection (d) Fiscal Notes. All resolutions involving the expenditure or receipt of funds shall carry a fiscal note approved by the treasurer that details the resolution’s impact upon co-operative finances. A resolution that does not have attached a fiscal note shall not be in order for board consideration until such a note is provided unless the board has waived the requirement by two-thirds vote. Should amendments or substitutes be developed, the treasurer shall be responsible for updating the fiscal note, as needed. Subsection (e) Policy Notes. All resolutions that establish or change a co-operative policy shall be accompanied by a policy note. The policy note should be approved by the person or persons responsible for executing the policy. A policy note shall be concise and shall identify the existing policy, if any, on the issue; and the existing practice if there is no formally adopted policy; and specify the impact on existing shared values, plans, policy or practice. A resolution that does not have attached a policy note shall not be in order for board consideration until such a Page 16 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 note is provided unless the board has waived the requirement by a twothirds vote. Should amendments or substitutes be developed, the member who developed the policy note shall be responsible for updating the note, as needed. [History: S 11 created by Res. Amending the Board Rules Policy 5/15/14; effective 5/20/14]. Section 12. Recording and Communicating Decisions. Subsection (a) Certification. Persons responsible for administering or enforcing policy shall be specifically informed by the secretary of new policies and changes in current policy. Subsection (b) Effective Date of Resolutions. Unless the resolution specifies otherwise, every resolution shall become effective on the day it is published in the draft minutes. Subsection (c) Policy Manual. The Montavilla Food Co-op Policy Manual is established and shall contain the following complete and up-to-date documents: Paragraph (a) Oregon Co-operative Law; and Paragraph (b) Articles of Incorporation of Montavilla Food Cooperative; and Paragraph (c) Bylaws of Montavilla Food Co-operative; and Paragraph (d) All policies adopted by the board; and Paragraph (e) All job descriptions; and Paragraph (f) All plans adopted by the board; and Paragraph (g) All budgets adopted by the board. Subsection (d) Policy Manual Distribution. One printed copy of the Manual shall be maintained up-to-date in a conspicuous place at the co-operative office for any member of the co-operative who wishes to inspect it at reasonable times. An online copy of the Manual shall be maintained up-to-date for any member of the co-operative who wishes to inspect it at any time. Subsection (e) Policy Manual Revision and Distribution. No more than seven days after a resolution is published in the draft minutes, and no more than seven days after errors are corrected by adopted minutes, the secretary shall issue written and electronic revisions of the appropriate provisions of the Manual. The resolution number, effective date, and the date of issuance of the revision shall be noted in the revision. Page 17 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 [History: S 12 created by Res. Amending the Board Rules Policy 5/15/15; effective 5/20/14]. Section 13 Committees. Subsection (a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish a system of advisory committees to undertake preliminary consideration and investigation of certain matters in preparation for final board action. Subsection (b) Committee Organization. All committees shall consist of three to five members of the co-operative nominated by the president and confirmed by the board for terms expiring upon the adjournment of the board session at which they were nominated. All committees shall consist of a majority of directors, shall elect a chair and secretary and determine a procedure. The president may recommend a resolution creating a special committee. The board may amend, adopt, or reject the resolution. Such resolutions expire, and special committees cease to exist annually upon the adjournment of each board session. Subsection (c) Nomination Committee. In accordance with s. 4.2 MFC Bylaws, the Nomination Committee is created as a standing committee of the board and shall have the duties and responsibilities described in the Director Nominations and Elections Policy. Only one of the members of the Nomination Committee must be a director. [History: s. 13 created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Section 14 Suspension and Amendment of the Rules. Unless otherwise provided by this policy, any rule of the board may be suspended by unanimous consent of the directors. Amendments to these rules at the organizational meeting of the board shall require a majority vote. Amendments at all other times shall require a two-thirds vote. [History: S 14 created as s 13 by Res. Amending Board Rules Policy 5/15/14; effective 5/20/14; renumbered s. 14 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] [History: Board Rules Policy created 4/29/14 by Res. Adopting Board Rules Policy; effective 4/29/14] Page 18 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 2 Administration Policy Chapter 3 Finance Policy This part is entitled “Administration Policy,” and is intended to direct and empower the volunteers of the co-operative by providing them with the structure, authority, capability, and guidance necessary to carry out their work. The Administration Policy consists of the following policies: [History: Administration Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 19 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 Part 2, Chapter 2: Finance Policy Section 1 Financial Responsibility. Subsection (a) Board. It is the responsibility of the board to formulate financial policies and review operations and activities on a periodic basis. Subsection (b) Treasurer and Business Team. The board delegates oversight responsibility to the Treasurer and the Business Team. The Business Team chair in coordination with the Treasurer is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the accounting records, internal controls, financial statement preparations, and bank reconciliation review and approval. It is also the responsibility of the Business Team to keep current with tax and organizational filings with oversight from the board. Section 2 Custody of Assets. Subsection (a) Custody. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the Treasurer to maintain control and custody of the bank accounts of co-operative. This includes safeguarding of check stock for business checking account as well as access and security to online banking and payment portals. Subsection (b) Recordkeeping. The Business Team is responsible for record keeping as well as safeguarding of financial information for the cooperative. The support documents should be kept on retention for no fewer than 7 years. Section 3 Expenditure Procedures. Subsection (a) Expenditure Procedures. All expenditures shall be approved by the board and signed off by the Treasurer prior to incurring the expenditure. All expenditures shall be coded by account number using the co-operative chart of accounts. Subsection (b) Standard Accounting Records. The Business Team shall maintain standard accounting records containing all aspects of cooperative financial operations. These include but are not limited to a general ledger and a check register. As the co-operative grows, registers (such as payroll) will be added to accommodate the growth. Subsection (c) Reimbursements. An expense reimbursement request form shall be prepared and submitted to the Treasurer along with the invoice. Upon payment of the bill or reimbursement, the check number Page 20 of 21 Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op July 29, 2014 and date shall be printed on the form and submitted to the Business Team for recording and file retention. Subsection (d) Paid Invoices. Paid invoices shall be filed alphabetically according to company/individual name and shall be kept on a fiscal year basis on file. Section 4 Financial Statement. [reserved] Section 5 Signature Policy. To safeguard the assets of the co-operative, all checks will be signed by both the Treasurer and the Secretary. Section 6 Organizational Filing. Subsection (a) Tax and Organizational Filings. The board is responsible for the oversight of co-operative tax filings (state and federal) and annual organizational filings with the State of Oregon. Subsection (b) Tax Year. The board will decide on the tax year for the co-op to ensure that the tax filing is in compliance. The tax year will be April 1 through March 31. Subsection (c) Tax Preparation. The Business Team will either engage or prepare the tax filing for board approval. [History: Finance Policy created 7/17/14 by Sub 1. To Res. Adopting Policies of the Montavilla Food Co-op; effective 7/29/14] Page 21 of 21