Title
Discuss and review the City Council Travel Expense Policy, including the process associated with determining Council travel and expenses.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Richard Jackson
BACKGROUND:
The City Council approved an updated Council Travel Policy in January 2025, enhancing clarity on travel expenses and approved reimbursements while aligning more closely with the City's personnel travel policy. This revised policy includes several provisions not covered in the 2009 version, such as:
- Ride sharing, rental vehicles
- Per diem meals and travel days
- Conference activities
- Further clarification on local meetings
- Non-reimbursable items
- In-state travel
To facilitate obtaining the information needed for the Travel Review Committee's consideration and staff preparation, a Travel Request Information Sheet has been developed for Council’s review. This document will be provided to Councilmembers upon submission of a travel request and will outline the required travel details, preferences, and business justification. A copy of the Information Sheet is attached to this agenda item, and the process associated with determining approval for Councilmember travel and expenses has also been outlined.
At the request of Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Jackson, an amendment to the Travel Policy is suggested to exempt any travel related to legislative items from the Policy.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Travel Policy
2. Travel Request Information Sheet
3. Travel Review and Approval Process
4. Presentation