Council approves certification repayment and travel-expense policies to standardize training costs and reimbursements

The council on Oct. 1 approved two personnel-administration measures designed to standardize training costs and travel reimbursements across city departments.

Certification-cost reimbursement policy: Council approved a resolution requiring employees who receive certifications paid for by the city to reimburse the city for those certification costs if they do not remain employed for two years following the certification date. The policy applies to any certification paid by city funds (examples discussed included public-safety certifications, HR certifications and public-works certificates). The policy does not apply to preexisting certifications an employee holds at hiring.

Travel authorization and expense policy: Council also approved a citywide travel-authorization and expense policy that standardizes approval steps, expense reporting and allowable reimbursements for travel, training and conferences. The policy applies to city staff and to council when participating in training. Rental cars require preapproval by a department head or city manager; staff said in most training cases the city provides a city vehicle or reimburses mileage rather than renting cars. The policy includes an expense report form to improve auditing and consistency.

Why it matters: Supporters said the measures increase fiscal accountability and make auditing simpler; council members asked clarifying questions about scope (college courses vs. certifications), CDL exceptions (handled separately) and liability for use of city vehicles. Staff said the policies are consistent with standard municipal practice and will reduce administrative inconsistency.

Outcome: Both resolutions/policies were approved unanimously.