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After public critique, commissioners withdraw some travel reimbursement requests and ask staff to review policy
Summary
Public commenters and several speakers pressed the court to deny travel reimbursements for two outgoing commissioners. Commissioner Webb withdrew his reimbursement requests and others clarified or withdrew items; the court did not approve the reimbursements at the meeting and asked staff to review and strengthen preclearance and travel policy language.
Multiple public commenters urged the court to deny reimbursements and questioned the timing of travel requests filed by two outgoing commissioners. Avis Novak said planning for the trips appeared to occur after the candidate filing deadline and urged clarity so taxpayers would not perceive the reimbursements as a farewell perk. "I respectfully ask that these expenditures be declined or at a minimum that the board direct a review of our policies," Novak said.
During discussion, Commissioner Webb announced he was withdrawing his reimbursement request and said he would fully fund his travel expenses. Another commissioner (Williams) also said she would withdraw a small local mileage claim while retaining reimbursement for materials tied to a land‑use conference that she believes provide value to the county. Commissioners and staff discussed the county's continuing‑education obligations, the travel policy's requirement for preclearance, and whether enforcement has been consistent in prior years.
Judge Hill and other commissioners emphasized transparency and suggested future travel reimbursements for outgoing elected officials be brought to the court for vote. No reimbursement was approved at the meeting; several requests were withdrawn or will be paid personally by the commissioners who submitted them.
What happens next: The court asked staff to review policy language and to consider a formal policy requiring commissioner travel reimbursement requests be presented for public vote before approval.
