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City commission approves $700 monthly vehicle allowance option for mayor
Summary
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved an amendment to its policy to allow the mayor to receive a $700-per-month vehicle allowance instead of a permanently assigned city-owned vehicle after a divided public discussion and a voice vote.
The Grand Rapids City Commission voted to amend its policy on elected-official travel and expenses to allow a $700 monthly vehicle allowance for the mayor as an alternative to a city-owned assigned vehicle. The amendment was removed from the consent agenda for discussion and then approved by voice vote.
Commissioner Patrick Perdue, who presented the amendment, told the commission that the policy change "introduces a $700 monthly vehicle allowance as an option for the mayor." Perdue said the allowance would give the mayor flexibility to choose a personal vehicle, would reduce city costs compared with maintaining a permanently assigned city-owned vehicle, and would make the mayor responsible for fuel, insurance and maintenance and therefore not eligible for mileage reimbursement.
Some commissioners voiced concerns about providing public funds that effectively subsidize a personal asset. "My concern is with the difference of, leasing a car, having the use of a car, which it calls for, and dollar amount that would go to an elected official for an asset that they would then retain," Commissioner Sasse said, adding she voted against the proposal in committee and would vote no again at the meeting.
Other commissioners pressed that the allowance represents a cost-saving alternative and noted that other city-issued equipment (such as laptops and phones) is returned when a commissioner leaves office. One supporter noted the allowance aligns with recent practice of allowing mayors to have a leased vehicle instead of a permanently assigned city car.
After discussion, Mayor LeGrand called the question. The commission approved the policy amendment by voice vote; the mayor announced "the motion carries." The record shows the item was discussed in committee earlier and was removed from consent for public discussion at the request of several commissioners.
The amended policy will allow the mayor to choose either a permanently assigned city-owned vehicle or to receive the monthly $700 vehicle allowance; it also clarifies that the mayor choosing the allowance will be responsible for vehicle operating costs and will not be eligible for mileage reimbursement. The resolution was referred to and approved as an amendment to city commission policy 100-02 (Use of public funds by elected officials for travel and other expenses).
