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Supervisors criticize travel and outreach spending after multiple trainings, seek accounting and policy clarity
Summary
Board members pressed county staff about travel reimbursements, grant reimbursement strategy and outreach purchases after multiple trainings and purchases. The board requested more detailed accounting and legal review before finalizing any reimbursements that exceed budgeted amounts.
A lengthy exchange at the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors’ June 30 meeting focused on travel reimbursements, how the county used limited state training reimbursements and purchases tied to outreach.
Board members said they were surprised by the timing and size of reimbursements and outreach purchases tied to a staff member’s travel and training. Supervisors discussed a $3,000 state reimbursement program staff had used for multiple trainings; staff reported receiving several reimbursements and deposits to the treasurer’s office, including a larger reimbursement received June 22. Supervisors framed the issue as a budgeting and communication failure: they said they expected staff to coordinate with the auditor’s office before incurring expenses that could drive a department over budget.
Members also questioned outreach expenses and vendor quotes. A supervisor described a purchase of 50 outreach hats costing about $1,800—roughly $37.50 each—saying the price exceeded expectations and should be questioned. Staff acknowledged the final bill was higher than the original quote.
Mileage and travel rules were a central point. Staff said the county’s mileage rate had recently been raised to 57 cents per mile and noted the state sometimes reimburses at its own published rate; supervisors discussed differences between county and state rates and whether driving instead of flying was allowable under grant rules. Board members asked staff to produce detailed receipts and to consult with legal counsel and the auditor’s office before approving any additional outlays or reimbursements that would exceed budgeted amounts.
County legal and auditing staff said they will review the reimbursement records and provide guidance; the board directed staff to return with full documentation and recommended that department heads check with the auditor before committing significant travel or promotional purchases in the future.
The discussion did not result in an immediate board vote to deny or approve any specific reimbursement; the board asked for the item to be scheduled again with detailed numbers and legal review.
