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Tax Reminder

Per IRS regulations, employees will be taxed on the amount of the reward redeemed. Those taxes will be deducted from your paycheck in the next Payroll cycle.

How It Works

GIVING POINTS

Nectar shout-outs are quick, public recognitions that highlight and celebrate team members for specific contributions, positive behaviors, achievements, or moments of going above and beyond. They are visible to all employees across Larimer County, and help spread positive recognition and reinforce Larimer County values.

Every month employees will receive an allowance of 20 points (managers with direct reports receive a monthly allowance of 50 points) to giveaway to colleagues throughout all Larimer County departments/offices.

Points expire at the end of the month and cannot be carried over month to month. However, employees receive a new allowance of 20 points the first day of the next month.

REDEEMING POINTS

Once an employee accumulates enough points (10 points = $1), they can be redeemed one of four ways*.

  • Electronic Gift Cards - There are hundreds of gift cards available for employee to redeem, everything from apparel and food to travel and entertainment. Once points are redeemed, gift cards are sent electronically from Nectar to the employee.
  • Custom Rewards - Rewards listed in the custom section are local to Larimer County, including the Larimer County Parks Pass and Downtown Fort Collins Gift Card.
  • Swag Store - We have created a store where employees can redeem their points for custom Larimer County apparel and items.
  • Amazon - Shopping is even easier with the Amazon store. Redeem points by shopping directly from Amazon.

* Once points have been redeemed, employees will be taxed for that amount on their paycheck.

ADDITIONAL POINTS

There are several other ways employees can earn or be awarded points. They are listed below.

  • Longevity - Longevity, aka Work Anniversaries, are recognized every year through Nectar. However, employees are also awarded points for milestone years beginning at 5 years, and every 5 years thereafter.
    • 5 Years (1,000 points)
    • 10 Years (1,500 points)
    • 15 Years (2,000 points)
    • 20 Years (2,500 points)
    • 25 Years (3,000 points)
    • 30 Years (3,500 points)
    • 35 Years (4,000 points)
    • 40 Years (4,500 points)
  • Innovation Awards - The Innovation Award Program is run once a year, where nominations are accepted for new and innovative ideas. The winner(s) can receive up to 50,000 points (or $5,000 in a deferred compensation contribution), depending on the number of winners.
  • Challenges - Periodically Larimer County or a department will create a challenge that employees can complete to earn points. The number of points awarded will vary challenge to challenge.
  • Awards - Awards are usually distributed by department heads, managers, or supervisors as they see fit. NOTE: Awards are chosen and funded by departments.
 
LINKS, DOCUMENTS, FORMS

FAQs

  1. I'm about to leave employment with Larimer County, what happens to my Nectar points?

    All Nectar points must be redeemed BEFORE the last working day. This allows Payroll time to process the associated taxes for that point/cash balance, and ensure that the points aren't lost upon termination. We are unable to access those points once the employee has been removed from the system.

  2. What if I don't give away all my points?

    Points expire at the end of every month, they cannot be carried over month to month. However on the first of each month, employees will be given a new balance of 20 points to give away.

  3. Do the points I have to give away expire?

    Yes, any unused points expire at the end of every month. However, on the 1st of the following month, the 20 point allowance is renewed.

  4. When I select a gift card, how do I get it?

    When selecting a gift card, employees will have the option of selecting an e-gift card, which will be delivered electronically. Or employees can select a physical card, which will then be sent by mail.

  5. When I select a custom reward, how do I get it?

    Custom Rewards are handled directly by the County. Once a custom reward is redeemed, Nectar admins are notified about the selection. Those rewards are purchased at the beginning of the next month and disseminated to all employees who redeemed a custom reward that month.

  6. Can I give my points to people in other departments/offices?

    Yes, you can.

  7. Is there a maximum number of points I can earn/keep?

    No, there is no limit to the number of points an employee can earn and save.

  8. How do I recommend ideas for custom rewards?

    If you have ideas or suggestions for the Custom Rewards section, please forward those to Jennifer Glover or Katie Lewis.

  9. I already gave away all my points for the month, but I still want to recognize someone.

    You can always recognize employees without giving points. 

    However, you can also "Boost Points" on Nectar. This allows employees to redeem their points for additional points to give away. Click on the Boost Points button on your Profile section, select the number of points you want to redeem, and click the green Redeem button.

    Nectar Boost Points Screenshot

Questions?

Please contact either Katie Lewis or Evan Scott with questions.

Human Resources Department

HOURS: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

200 West Oak, Suite 3200, Fort Collins, CO 80521
PO Box 1190, Fort Collins, CO 80522
PHONE: (970) 498-5970 | FAX: (970) 498-5980
Email Human Resources
Email Benefits Team