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Commission approves 4-H memorandum, JDA nominee and routine contracts; examines taxable treatment of day-trip reimbursements
Summary
Steele County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding for a new extension hire, confirmed a JDA board appointment, accepted an annual intercounty contract and approved the county bills; commissioners also asked staff to research whether day-trip meal/mileage reimbursements should be taxable.
At its Feb. 4 meeting, the Steele County Commission approved several administrative items: a memorandum of understanding related to the county's 4-H program and a new staff hire, confirmation of a nominee to the job development authority, acceptance of an annual contract with Barnes County and approval of county bills.
County extension staff announced the hiring of Coraline Cummings to fill the extension administrative assistant and 4-H program assistant role, with a memorandum of understanding that clarifies federal restrictions on the 4-H emblem under 18 U.S.C. —707 cited by staff. Commissioners voted to approve the MOU and authorized the chair to sign once prepared.
The commission also approved the Job Development Authority's (JDA) nomination of Tiffany Hatchet to fill a recently opened JDA seat; the JDA had already nominated and approved the appointment at a special meeting and the commission gave its concurrence.
Commissioners accepted a routine interlocal agreement with Barnes County and approved the monthly bills following a motion and second. The commission concluded the meeting by approving adjournment.
In a separate personnel and finance discussion, commissioners questioned why meal and mileage reimbursements for day trips were taxed on paychecks while overnight travel reimbursements were paid nontaxable. Staff referenced IRS guidance (IRS Publication 463) and OMB policy that treats meals as nontaxable only if an overnight stay is required; commissioners directed staff to research the county's options and return with a recommendation at the next meeting.
Ending: Staff will follow up with legal/financial guidance on the taxable status of day-trip reimbursements; the chairs and relevant staff will finalize and sign the extension MOU and complete onboarding for the new hire.
