Commissioners set county mileage rate at 55 cents per mile, remove link to state rate

DeKalb County commissioners voted Jan. 20 to set a flat county mileage reimbursement rate of 55¢ per mile for county business and to remove the policy language that pegged county reimbursement to the state employee rate plus an additional 5¢.

Susan (county auditor) summarized the policy history, saying the county had been reimbursing at a 50¢ rate since June 2022 under a formula tied to the state rate. Commissioner (speaker 2) proposed eliminating the ‘state+5¢’ linkage and setting a flat 55¢ with an annual review. Susan read back revised motion language and confirmed the motion included an annual revisit and an effective date of Jan. 20. The board carried the amended motion by voice vote (motion carried 3–0).

Commissioners discussed rationale for a flat rate, citing rising vehicle costs and administrative simplicity. One commissioner noted federal guidance places average reimbursement higher than state rates, arguing 55¢ “hits something in the middle.” The auditor cautioned that changing the structure should be clearly reflected in the written county policy to avoid confusion.

The board directed staff to finalize the written policy language and return it for distribution; commissioners said the policy would be reviewed on an annual basis.

What’s next: The auditor will provide the finalized policy language for the record and implement the 55¢ reimbursement effective Jan. 20, 2026.