Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Crest Hill council adopts elected‑officials training policy; debate over receipts vs. per diem
Summary
After extended debate, Crest Hill council adopted a policy requiring receipts for elected officials’ conference reimbursements (limit $100/day; $300 IML cap). Some members argued for per diems for simplicity; supporters said receipts improve transparency.
The Crest Hill City Council voted July 6 to adopt a policy governing elected officials’ training and conference reimbursements that requires itemized receipts for meals and incidental expenses rather than a per diem.
City administrator Blaine Wing read the policy language, which covers registration, hotel and travel reimbursements, and sets a $100 per‑day cap for food and incidentals and a $300 cap for the Illinois Municipal League (IML) conference. The policy requires elected officials to submit receipts and to reimburse the city for non‑emergency cancellations and for leaving early if less than the two‑day minimum without an emergency.
Why it mattered: council members debated whether to require receipts or allow a per‑diem approach. Supporters of receipts said the approach preserves transparency and allows residents to see what was spent; opponents said per diems are simpler and avoid requiring officials to disclose routine food purchases. The motion to adopt the receipts‑based policy carried after discussion.
What was said: Dorel Jefferson and others criticized the receipts requirement as unnecessary micromanagement and said a per diem would be simpler; supporters including several alderpersons said they preferred receipts to improve transparency given recent audit scrutiny. Blaine Wing said staff had recommended per diems for ease but that council gave direction to require receipts.
Next steps: the finance department will create a report of expenses within 45 days after each conference, as the policy requires. Council members may propose exceptions to the policy for specific circumstances, which would require a council vote to grant.
