Winter Springs commissioners direct staff to craft elected‑official credit‑card and travel policy

After public comment raised concerns about elected‑official credit‑card charges, the Winter Springs City Commission on April 13 directed staff to draft a policy clarifying allowable credit‑card and travel expenses for elected officials.

A commissioner said the current process provides no clear guidance for commissioners’ use of city cards and asked whether an elected‑official version of the staff P‑card rules could be created. Mayor Kevin McCann said staff had circulated the city’s standard corporate P‑card rules and that a tailored version for elected officials, signed annually, would be a reasonable step. “We must attempt to remain beyond reproach,” McCann said, urging accountability and timely reimbursement for any non‑allowable charges.

City Manager Kevin Sweet told the commission he would work with Finance Director Holly Queen and the city attorney to prepare a draft. “We’ll work with the finance director and, obviously, the city attorney review and put together something for consideration,” Sweet said. Commissioners discussed practical items the policy could cover — per‑diem or meal caps, room‑rate guidance, parking (self vs. valet), mileage vs. ride‑share and when the city should prepay registration and lodging.

Why this matters: several Florida municipalities recently received media scrutiny over elected officials’ charges; the commission emphasized the city’s checks and balances, noting that identified inappropriate charges were reimbursed promptly in Winter Springs. The commission asked staff to return with a draft policy and suggested the policy be presented as a resolution or ordinance for formal adoption.

What’s next: staff will develop a draft elected‑official travel and credit‑card policy, coordinate review with the city attorney, and bring it back for commission consideration and possible formal adoption.