Title
Resolution to Approve an Addendum to Council Administrative Rules: Rule 3 - Reimbursement of Council Expenses
Memorandum
The FY2020 adopted budget includes a $500 per Councilmember per fiscal year allowance for reimbursable expenses. The allowances are provided in the interest of supporting Councilmember professional development and providing a means to account for small expenses incurred in the course of City-related business, the City may provide Councilmembers with an expense allowance as part of the City’s annual budget. These expenses may include training, attendance at conferences, and purchase of materials in support of City business.
Budget Impact: The FY20 budget provides an allowance of $500 per Council member for a total of $5,500.
Staff
Reviewed by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Reviewed by: Council Administration Committee
Reviewed by: Council Rules Committee
Body
Whereas, The FY2020 adopted budget includes a $500 per Councilmember per fiscal year allowance for reimbursable expenses. The allowances are provided in the interest of supporting Councilmember professional development and providing a means to account for small expenses incurred in the course of City-related business, the City may provide Councilmembers with an expense allowance as part of the City’s annual budget. These expenses may include training, attendance at conferences, and purchase of materials in support of City business;
Whereas, The current Rules of the Council and Pertinent Charter Provisions do not currently provide a process for addressing reimbursement of Council expenses;
Whereas, The Chapter 5 of the Guide to City Finance prescribes appropriate and acceptable processes to properly account for reimbursement of expenses; and
Whereas, Section 12.6(a) of the City Charter provides in pertinent part: “When authorized by the Council, necessary expenses may be allowed to its members when actually incurred on behalf of the City.”
RESOLVED, That the City Council adopts the attached Council Administrative Rule 3 - Reimbursement of Council Expenses that references Chapter 5 of the Guide to City Finances as its framework to properly account for and to provide transparency over Council reimbursements; and
RESOLVED, That the City Council hereby authorizes the reimbursement of necessary expenses when actually incurred by City Council members on behalf of the City in accordance with Council Administrative Rule 3 - Reimbursement of Council Expenses.
Sponsored by: Taylor, Grand, Smith, and Nelson