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Commissioners approve one‑night county‑paid stay for conference after debate over travel policy
Summary
After a lengthy debate over whether elected officials should receive county‑paid travel while some employees cannot, the board approved payment for a one‑night stay and associated costs for a commissioner to attend a state commissioners convention; the vote was split.
The Bladen County Board of Commissioners debated whether elected commissioners should receive county support for out‑of‑county conferences while the board's travel policy limits employee travel. The matter concerned a request to cover travel and lodging for a commissioner to attend the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCAACC) annual conference in Greenwood.
Commissioner Ellis moved to approve county payment for a one‑night stay and associated costs for the commissioner to attend; the motion was seconded. After extended discussion about precedents and fairness, the board approved the motion.
“I'll make a motion for the for the 1 night and the associated calls for the for the 1 night,” Commissioner Ellis said as he moved the item.
Opponents said the county had previously restricted employee travel during budget tightness and that allowing commissioners’ travel could create an uneven precedent. Supporters said elected officials are not county employees and that conference attendance provides representation, training and networking. Commissioners debated whether the approved funding should cover one or two nights before the final motion for a single night passed by a narrow margin.
Outcome recorded at the meeting: the board approved county payment for a one‑night stay and associated travel costs for the named commissioner to attend the NCAACC annual conference; meeting discussion indicates the vote was split and took roll/hand votes, with three in favor and two opposed.
The board also asked the county attorney to clarify whether elected commissioners formally qualify as county employees for the purpose of the travel policy; the attorney was asked to report back to the board.
