§ 2.34.030. Policy.

A.

In order to best utilize the resources available to the city, officers/employees are expected to use sound judgment to minimize the costs of business travel. This policy includes regulations and restrictions governing travel expenses and shall apply to all city officers/employees. The mayor, at his/her discretion, reserves the right to exempt an employee from the provisions hereunder.

B.

The mayor is responsible for the implementation, dissemination, enforcement, and administration of the policy and for monitoring travel expenses.

C.

All officers/employees who travel on city business or for training, seminars and/or meetings are responsible for the compliance with the requirements of this policy, and for the exercise of sound judgment in their travel expenditures. City officers/employees will document all expenses incurred, and will submit receipts to the city accounts payable clerk on the first day that they return to work.

D.

The city will pay the hotel fee and training/seminar/meeting fees by credit card or check.

E.

If meals are not provided for the employee/officer at the training/seminar/meeting, the employee/officer will utilize the city credit card to cover meals. A gratuity, limited to fifteen percent, may be added to the cost of the meal, but the total, including tip, shall not exceed the per meal limit.

F.

The city provides a vehicle, when possible, and the employee/officer will utilize the city credit card to buy fuel and pay parking fees or pay for emergency repairs. If use of privately owned automobile is authorized or if no city-furnished automobile is available, the officer/employee will pay parking fees with the city credit card or provide a receipt for reimbursement if credit cards are not accepted, and mileage will also be reimbursed at the current IRS "per mile" rate according to www.gsa.gov.

G.

The city will not pay for, nor should the officer/employee use the city credit card to pay for, entertainment expenses. Excursions outside of training/seminar/meeting hours will be at the expense of the officer/employee.

H.

The city will not reimburse the purchase of tobacco or alcoholic products under any circumstances.

(Ord. No. 2017-3, § 3, 2-16-17)