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Council directs staff to draft elected-official travel policy after council debate
Summary
Council discussed town travel procedures for staff and councilmembers and directed staff to return with a council-specific travel policy (proposal discussed included limiting reimbursements for travel under 50 miles). No formal policy was adopted; staff will bring a draft for future approval.
The Town Council discussed existing town travel procedures and asked staff to prepare a council-specific travel policy for a future agenda after debate among council members over reimbursements and stipends.
Staff explained the town already has a written travel procedure for employees that requires preauthorization for out-of-county and out-of-state travel, use of federal mileage rates and director/town-manager approval. Councilmember Skillekorn said his intent was to create an elected-official policy and proposed that councilmembers not receive travel reimbursements for trips under 50 miles and that councilmembers not be reimbursed for hotel lodging within that distance. He moved that direction; a councilmember seconded.
Several councilmembers and the vice mayor voiced differing views. Vice Mayor Larrabee said adopting a policy now is prudent even "before there's abuse," to establish clear rules, while other members said they had not observed misuse and preferred discretion. Councilwoman Gail Earl noted the cost of an example hotel stay could exceed a councilmember's monthly stipend and asked the council to consider stipend balance as part of any policy review.
Town legal staff advised the council that the item was noticed for "discussion and possible direction" and cautioned against taking a final vote on policy language at the same meeting. The council directed staff to prepare a formal written policy for elected officials that would be returned to the council for formal adoption, with the draft to address mileage and lodging thresholds and reporting procedures.
No binding action was taken; staff will return with a proposed policy for council consideration and formal action.
