company will pay benefits based on a wage rate for the 52-week period prior to the incident. The employee will receive 60% of the average gross wages, with no taxes withheld, and such payments will be mailed directly to the employee. Compensation is paid for lost wages on any days you are disabled after the first five days. You are not compensated for the first five days of incapacity unless you are disabled for 21 days or more.

If the insurer should dispute the claim following an investigation with the Town, employee and attending physician, there is a conciliation and arbitration process in place at the DIA for resolution through hearing and review. All parties will be notified of the process in this event.

7.O.2. Health benefits and job security

The Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation law does not require the continuation of most fringe benefits, including health insurance. Absence from work may also affect the earning of sick and vacation time. In addition, it does not require the Town to hold your job open, if a replacement employee is hired while you are out. However, once you are able to return to work, Section 75A of the law requires the Town to give you preference in re-hiring if a suitable job is available.

7.O.3. Further information

Your Guide to the Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation System (located in Appendix) www.mass.gov/dia or 1-800-323-3249 x470.

Section 8. Reimbursement

8.A.1. Travel:

In the event employees use their own vehicle to conduct business for the town, they must first obtain authorization from their supervisor or Department Head. Once authorized, the employee will be reimbursed for mileage at the rate of .40 cents per mile, as well as tolls, parking fees and the cost of meals where applicable. In order for an employee to receive such reimbursement, a travel voucher containing all information about mileage, destination, date, and reason for travel must be submitted to the Department Head for his/her signature. All receipts for reimbursement of tolls, parking, and meals must be attached. Any proposed out of state travel must be approved beforehand by the Board of Selectmen. This policy excludes all travel within the boundaries of the Town of Princeton. The Town does not reimburse for travel within its own boundaries.

8.A.2. Work boots:

Reimbursement is allowed for the purchase of work boots for full-time highway personnel (upon submission of receipt for same) to a maximum of $120.00 per fiscal year per person.