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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOWERPOINT PRESENTATION - TRAVEL AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICYTravel and Expense Reimbursement Policy City of Tustin City Council, September 16, 2014 Reimbursement s-- Generally ------------------ Members of cities councils and city commissions incur expenses to perform their official responsibilities. In accordance with State Law,Tustin has a written policy that specifies the types of occurrences and expenses that qualify for reimbursement. Tustin's City Council members used to receive a salary for their public service. Tustin's Reimbursement Policy --------------------------- Tustin's existing reimbursement policy was adopted while Council compensation was still in place. The existing policy says the salaries "should be used in part to defray expenses incurred in the performance of each member's duties. However, in 2012, the voters approved Measure HH, eliminating Council compensation and benefits. Tustin's Reimbursement Policy --------------------------- Result: the reimbursement Policy currently anticipates that out -of- pocket expenses incurred while performing official duties will be covered in part by funds Council members won't be receiving. Recommendation: update the policy to remove statements that Council members should rely on monthly compensation to defray expenses Tustin's Reimbursement Policy ---------------------------- Tustin's existing reimbursement policy also requires rp for City Council approval of any travel outside of Orange County Tustin has active interests outside the county: ► Sacramento related to dissolution of RDA ► Washington D.C. related to the use and disposition of former and current Federal properties at the Tustin Legacy area _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________ 10. Tustin's Reimbursement Policy ---------------------------- The existing reimbursement policy requires prior approval from the Council for reimbursement of travel costs to Sacramento or Washington D.C. even if: ► The travel is in the City's interests ► The cost is within approved budget levels for the Council member; and ► The Council member reports on the travel at the Council's next meeting _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________ 10. Compare: Other Cities' Policies ---------------------------- The Association of California Cities, Orange County compiled travel reimbursement information from several other cities Cities that require prior Council approval of travel for reimbursement: ► Anaheim (city pays council salaries) ► Dana Point (city pays council salaries) ► Laguna Niguel (city pays council salaries) ► Mission Viejo (city pays council salaries) Compare: Other Cities' Policies ---------------------------- Cities that allow reimbursement for actual and necessary city - related travel expenses without Council pre - approval if the expenses are consistent with the City's reimbursement policy: ► AlisoViejo (up to approved budget) ► Brea (city also pays council salary) ► Cypress (city also pays council salary) ► Huntington Beach (reimbursement up to approved budget for travel; city also pays salary) (continued) Compare: Other Cities' Policies ---------------------------- Cities that allow reimbursement for actual and necessary city - related travel expenses without Council pre - approval if the expenses are consistent with the City's reimbursement policy: ► Irvine (if within travel budget; city also pays salary) ► Newport Beach (if within travel budget; city also pays salary) ► Rancho Santa Margarita (city also pays council salary) Recommended Action Adopt Resolution 14 -62 (Exhibit B to the Council package) to: ► Authorize reimbursement of travel expenses when: ► They are actual and necessary expenses in the performance of City business; and ► They are within the already- approved budget; and ► The expense and purpose of the travel are consistent with the City's reimbursement policy; and ► They are reported upon at the next Council meeting. ► Update the reimbursement policy to remove the references to Council compensation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 110. Questions? 10.