HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2013 - 58 - Rscnd Res. 09-78-Trvl Expnse Policy CITY OF PALM DESERT
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Adopt Resolution No. 2013- 58 rescinding Resolution No.
2009-78 and adopting a revised travel expense reimbursement
policy for official City business by Elected/Appointed Officials and
City Employees.
SUBMITTED BY: Lori Carney, Human Resources Manager
DATE: September 26, 2013
CONTENTS: Resolution No. 2013- 58
Recommendation:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2013-5s rescinding
Resolution No. 2009-78 and adopting a revised Travel
Expense Reimbursement policy for City Elected/Appointed Officials and City
Employees;
Executive Summary:
The City Council adopted a policy for the reimbursement of travel expenses
incurred by Elected/Appointed Officials and City Employees in November 2009.
The attached revised policy document makes no changes to the underlying
policy or philosophy of the City with respect to reimbursable expenses, instead it
provides a new organizational structure and clarifying language.
Backqround:
In November 2009, the City Council adopted a Travel Expense Reimbursement
Folicy in compliance with AB 1234. This policy established reasonable
guidelines for expense reimbursement for City Elected/Appointed Officials and
City Employees, for travel greater than 75 miles from City Hall. These guidelines
stress the importance of cost effectiveness and efficiency in the use of public
resources for travel purposes.
In the intervening years several situations have arisen which were not clearly
addressed by the policy. As situations have arisen the City Manager and City
Resolution No. 2013-58
Staff Report
Adopt Revised Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy
September 26, 2013
Page 2 of 2
Attorney have provided interpretations and decisions in areas not directly
covered or unclear in the current policy and these decisions and interpretations
have been incorporated into the revisions. The City's strong policy of reducing
cost, traveling only when the value exceeds the cost and efficient stewardship of
public resources have guided these decisions and remain the core principal of
the policy.
The policy document itself has been reorganized for ease of reference and
additional terms have been defined.
Fiscal Analvsis:
No impact because the policy of the City is not changing.
Submitted by: '
�CITY COLTI�ICIGAG�tON
APPRO�D ��
R CE�D OTHER 6
� EET�1 G DA
Lori Carney, uman Resources ManageAYES:��°� �� � r ��
NOES:
ABSEN'I4
ABSTAtNs
ERIFIED BY�
Pau S. Gibson, Director of Finance p�;�;qal on File with C lerk's Offic�
ApprovaL•
John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager
RESOLUTION NO. 2013- 58
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2009-78, AND
ADOPTING A REVISED TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY
FOR OFFICIAL CITY BUSINESS BY ELECTED/APPOINTED OFFICIALS
AND CITY EMPLOYEES.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert City Council desires to revise its travel expense
policy in accordance with the guidelines of AB 1234 (codified as California Government
Code Section 53232); and
WHEREAS, such travel expense policy is attached hereto and made a part hereof
marked as Exhibit A, which guidelines establish reimbursement for allowable travel
expenses for civic and governmental functions attended by City representatives.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA that the City Council for the City of Palm Desert, California,
does hereby adopt the Travel Expense Reimbursement Policy for Official City Business by
� Elected and Appointed Officials and City Employees, attached hereto marked Exhibit A.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 26th day of September, 2013, by the
following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JAN HARNIK, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
RESOLUTION NO. 5s EXHIBIT "A"
City of Palm Desert
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy
City Elected/Appointed Officials and Employees
A. Policy
It is the policy of the City of Palm Desert that Officials and Employees exercise restraint
and good judgment in the expenditure of tax payer money for travel. The City complies
with AB 1234, California Government Code 53232 ( which apply to elected and
appointed officials) and all other related laws and regulations when authorizing and
reimbursing the expenses of elected and appointed officials and City employees. The
principal of"reasonable and necessary" shall govern decisions regarding incurring travel
expenses.
B. Purpose
To set forth the policy and procedures for approval and reimbursement of expenses
incurred by City Council members, appointed officials, members of special boards,
commissions, committees, and employees while traveling overnight on official City
business. This policy shall not apply to "local meetings", commuter(local) training
seminars and/or local City business expenses. These topics are covered by the City's
Local Meeting Policy.
The policy provides guidance in accordance with California Government Code Section
53232 et seq. It includes, but is not limited to travel, business meals, lodging,
conference expenses, professional memberships, and other related expenditures
incurred while conducting, and related to, official City business.
C. Definitions
For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions will be used:
• Elected Official - those individuals elected to the City Council.
• Appointed Official - appointed members of all Palm Desert Commissions, Boards
and Agencies appointed and subject to the Brown Act and the City Manager,
Assistant City Managers and Department Heads designated by the City Council
to represent the City.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 1 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 5s EXHIBIT "A"
• Agency - the City Council, and all Palm Desert Commissions, Boards and
Agencies.
• Employee - an individual employed directly and solely by the City, excluding
independent contractors, subcontractors, and other persons performing work on
behalf of the City but self-employed or employed by other persons, corporations
or entities.
• Local Travel/Local Meetings —Travel within a 75 mile radius of City Hall which
does not require an overnight stay, such travel and meeting costs are covered
under the Local Meetings Policy.
• Out-of-State Travel —Any travel outside the State of California, including
international travel.
• Reimbursable expense - Expenses incurred and paid for by Officials and
Employees on authorized City business.
• Travel Expense Report— Form designated by the Finance Director and available
on the Intranet, used for documenting all travel expenses.
• Travel Pre-Approval Form — Form designated by the Finance Director and
available on the Intranet, used for requesting preapproval and authorization for
travel on City business.
• Conference Rate(s) — The group hotel rate(s) advertised in a conference
brochure for attendees of said conference.
• Per Diem — the daily rates for lodging, and for meals and incidentals, set by the
Federal US General Services Administration (GSA) for specific geographical
areas in the Continental United States and available at www.GSA.c�ov .
• Meals and Incidental Expenses (MI&E)— MI&E allowance covers daily meals and
snacks, and related tips and taxes; fees and tips given to, but not limited to,
porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel staff, and stewards/stewardesses; and
mileage between places of lodging and places meals are taken.
• Conference/Seminar—A prearranged meeting for an exchange of information or
discussion, organized by a professional association, group or training provider,
with a published agenda and participants from various locations.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 2 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
D. Specific Occurrences Qualifying for Expense Reimbursement (related to
Travel)
Government Code Section 53232.2(b) requires the City to specify the types of
occurrences that qualify an Official or Employee to receive reimbursement of expenses
relating to travel, meals, lodging, and other actual and necessary expenses.
Accordingly, the following non-exclusive list contains authorized expense authorized to
be expended for official City business, including travel and related expenses,
memberships in professional organizations, and subscriptions to business-related
newspapers and journals. Officials and Employees are expected to exercise good
judgment and show proper regard for economy when incurring expenses in connection
with official City business. The principle of"reasonable and necessary" should be used
when deciding to expend taxpayer money.
The following classifications are identified as eligible for expense reimbursement:
• Meetings with government and business leaders;
• Conferences, training and educational trips on behalf of the City, including
visiting other governments to discuss and observe best practices;
• Lobbying trips, when a benefit to the City can be defined, such must be reported
to the State quarterly;
• Business-related trips where a benefit to the City can be defined;
Travel within the State of California does not require prior City Council approval, in an
open meeting, if (1) it adheres to the adopted provisions of the travel reimbursement
policy and (2) there are adequate budgeted funds. Travel outside of California, or travel
that does not conform to the policy, requires prior approval by the City Council in an
open meeting. Typically Out-of-State travel is approved during the annual budget
adoption process.
Examples of expenses that the City shall not reimburse include, but are not limited to:
• The personal portion of any trip;
• Spouses or any traveling companion accompanying an Official or Employee. Any
and all expenses for traveling companions shall be paid by the Official or
Employee;
• Family expenses, i.e. children or pet-related expenses;
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 3 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
• Laundry and entertainment expenses, including theatre, movies (either in-room
or at the theater), sporting events (including gym, massage and/or golf related
expenses), or other cultural events;
• Political, religious or charitable contributions;
• Non-mileage personal automobile expenses including repairs, insurance and
traffic citations;
• Personal losses incurred while on City business;
• Valet or other special services, including fitness center charges;
E. Approvals and Authorizations
This section addresses various levels of approval and authorization, and reporting
requirements for public Officials.
1. Out-of-State Travel: Travel outside the state of California by Officials and
Employees, including international travel, requires the prior approval of the City
Council in an open meeting. The preferred method for obtaining approval is as part
of the annual budget process, otherwise requests must be agendized and approved
prior to an expense being incurred.
2. All employee travel requires the approval of the Department Head, via the Travel
Pre-Authorization Form, prior an expense being incurred.
3. The Finance Director shall determine if requested reimbursements and/or prepaid
expenses are appropriate within the policy. The City Manager may, at his discretion,
modify or approve travel reimbursements based on cost, efficiency or effectiveness
in the conduct of City business.
4. In accordance with Government Code Section 53232.2 (f), any and all expenses that
fall outside this policy must be approved by the City Council, in a public meeting
(Council Members and Officials) or by the City Manager (Employees) prior to any
expense being incurred. Any extraordinary circumstance related to travel
reimbursement shall be addressed by the City Council in an open meeting.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 4 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 5s EXHIBIT "A"
F. Transportation
1. Airline Travel
All Officials and Employees shall fly coach class on the lowest cost flight/s available
for the most direct route to the final destination, which could reasonably include
scheduled layovers of 1.5 to 2 hours along the route. Travel arrangements shall be
made with due regard to the needs of the employee and particular regard to cost
efficiency and City requirements. Airline travel may be booked directly with the
carrier, arranged through a travel agent or booked through an internet service. The
Official or Employee shall pay in advance using a personal credit card or other
method and submit the cost for reimbursement. The cost of airline travel fluctuates
daily therefore Officials and Employees shall document the process used (internet
search, travel agent request, etc.) to substantiate that they obtained the most
practical, cost efficient route and means of travel. The City will reimburse only the
actual round-trip coach fare paid, including reasonable baggage fees, and only after
the trip is completed. Officials and Employees may, at their own expense, upgrade
their airline accommodations. The purchase of travel insurance is only reimbursable
with the prior written approval of the City Manager.
2. City Vehicle
City Vehicles may be used for travel in accordance with the City's Fleet Policy,
however, use of a City Vehicle to travel outside the Coachella Valley is discouraged.
In those cases where the use of a City Vehicle is appropriate and authorized,
Officials and Employees will only be reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses such as fuel
or vehicle repair which are substantiated by receipts.
3. Private Owner Vehicle (POV)
The use of a Private Owner Vehicle (POV) may be authorized in accordance with
the city's Fleet Policy. In compliance with the Fleet Policy, the use of a POV will be
reimbursed at the current mileage rate set by the I.R.S. for miles traveled to and
from designated place(s) on City business. Prior authorization is required and
Officials and Employees should review the Fleet Policy for other regulations prior to
travel. The following requirements apply to the use of a POV for City travel:
a) Mileage reimbursement will be calculated based on the number of miles from the
Official or Employee's home or City Hall whichever results in the least number of
miles.
Example: Two employees are traveling to Ontario Airport. Jane Doe lives
in Palm Springs, and John Smith lives in Indio. Jane Doe will be
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 5 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
reimbursed based on the mileage from her home and John Smith will be
reimbursed based on the mileage from City Hall.
b) Officials and Employees are encouraged to coordinate travel arrangement, and
carpool whenever practical to reduce the expense to the City and the
environmental impact. In such cases the primary driver shall receive mileage
reimbursement for their trip including reasonable additional miles driven to pick
up colleagues.
c) Officials and Employees are required to substantiate mileage claims. The
preferred method of doing so is by attaching a route printout from either
www.maps.google.com or www.mapquest.com to their Travel Expense Report.
Travelers who are claiming miles greater than those shown on these services
may submit additional documentation (Odometer readings, logs, etc.) subject to
the approval of their Department Director and the Director of Finance.
d) Officials and Employees who choose, for personal reasons, to travel by P.O.V. to
and from a point of destination rather than flying, will be reimbursed for the
lowest cost method of transportation. Travelers shall provide documentation for
the Iowest cost of public transportation (i.e., airfare, bus, train, etc.) with the
Travel Pre-Approval Form, and Travel Expense Report. In addition, parking fees
and taxis will only be reimbursed if these expenses would have qualified for
reimbursement had the traveler used public transportation or if the total cost
(including mileage) is less than the total for public transportation.
i. Example: Stan travels to a meeting in Sacramento, and chooses to
drive rather than fly. Mileage at 500 miles each way would be
$500, but roundtrip airfare is $350, plus $20 shuttle to his hotel.
Stan is eligible for a maximum transportation reimbursement of
$370.
e) Miles driven between lodging and the places meals are taken are not
reimbursable miles, but are covered under the Per Diem MI&E allowance.
4. Vehicle Rentals, Taxi, Shuttle and Public Transit Fares
Officials and Employees should choose the lowest cost for ground transportation,
taking into consideration reasonable travel time and other related cost factors such
, as parking. Reimbursement for any particular mode of transportation is by the
department head based on the least total cost to the City with due consideration to
reasonableness and time constraints.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 6 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
a) Taxis, shutties and public transit may be reimbursed up to a maximum of$50 per
day. Receipts are required for reimbursement of taxi and shuttle fares.
b) Vehicles rented at the travel destination may be reimbursed provided there is a
business reason or economic benefit to support the rental decision.
Reimbursements are limited to cars defined as "full-size" or smaller in capacity.
Vehicle rental must be substantiated with receipts and may include appropriate
insurance coverage. If vehicle rental is not pre-approved or does not meet this
policy and is subsequently denied, any related parking/toll fees shall also be
denied and the Official or Employee will be reimbursed an amount equivalent to
round trip shutt�e charges.
c) Vehicles rented for use as the primary means of transportation from an Official's
or Employee's home to the airport or to the travel destination will be in
accordance with the City's Fleet Policy. Such rental will be reimbursed at actual
costs (including applicable insurance coverage) not to exceed the equivalent
mileage or airline reimbursement, whichever is less cost to the City.
5. Parking Expenses and Tolls
Necessary parking fees for private or City vehicles shall be reimbursed provided that
receipts are submitted and that the most cost effective parking method is chosen.
Short-term airport parking is authorized for trips lasting less than 24 hours, long-term
airport parking must be used for trips exceeding 24 hours.
Actual amounts paid for toll road use will be reimbursed. Officials and Employees
should document the amount paid for toll roads and submit such documentation with
the Travel Expense Report.
G. Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)
This section refers to meals and incidental expenses incurred during attendance at
conferences, seminars and other business meetings occurring further than 75 miles
away from City Hall or the Official or Employee's home (whichever is closer) and which
reasonably require an overnight stay. Reimbursement for meal expenses incurred
during one-day seminars or business meetings are addressed in the Local Meetings
Policy and are considered taxable income to the recipient. As such, they are subject to
employment tax withholding.
1. Amounts available for M&IE will be determined by the applicable GSA Per Diem rate
for the geographical area being visited. Individual rates can be found at
www.qsa.gov.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 7 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
2. For the first and last day of travel, Officials and Employees are limited to 75% of the
applicable per diem rate for M&IE.
3. Attending conferences where meals are available, such as a lunch, do not result in a
reduction in the M&IE per diem rate.
a. Example: Stan attends a three day conference which includes lunch on day
two, no reduction in his M&IE per diem is made.
H. Lodging
Overnight lodging is authorized, with prior approval, when the travel destination is
greater than 75 miles from City Hall or the Official/Employee's home (whichever is
closer to the destination.) Lodging may be pre-paid by the City, or reimbursed to the
traveler after the trip. Detailed receipts are required to be submitted with the Travel
Expense Report regardless of whether the cost was pre-paid by the City or a
reimbursement is being requested. Lodging choices should be guided by necessity,
practicality and cost effectiveness. Travelers should request and utilize the government
rate for lodging whenever possible and when such rate is less than any other rate. In
the absence of an organized conference rate, the GSA Lodging Per Diem rate for the
particular travel destination will determine reimbursement, unless otherwise noted
below.
The amount authorized and/or reimbursed is controlled by the following factors:
1. Conferences: Officials and Employees attending conferences where lodging is
appropriate and necessary may pre-pay or be reimbursed for lodging in an official
Conference hotel at the published Conference rate, provided such hotels and rates
are available at the time of booking. If the Conference rate is not available at the
time of booking, the Official or Employee should first request a room at the
government rate, if one is not available they are eligible for reimbursement for
lodging at another similar, reasonably close, hotel, in an amount up to the
conference rate.
2. Seminars: Officials and Employees attending seminars at locations greater than 75
miles from their home or City Hall (whichever is closer) are eligible to have the City
prepay the hotel or be reimbursed for lodging at a rate up the GSA Lodging Per
Diem for the travel destination. They should request the government rate when
booking. Rates higher than the GSA Per Diem will only be considered for
authorization if there is no lodging within a reasonable distance and require pre-
approval of the department head and the City Manager.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 8 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
3. Occupancy Taxes and Fees: The GSA Per Diem rate for lodging applies to the
lodging rate only. It does not include occupancy taxes and related fees (i.e., utility
fees), which vary from place to place, and are eligible for reimbursement for the
actual amount paid. Other discretionary hotel charges (including but not limited to,
room service, fitness centers, movies, valet, etc.) are not eligible for reimbursement.
4. Receipts required: Officials and Employees are required to submit receipts for
lodging with their Travel Expense Report, regardless of whether the costs were
prepaid or a reimbursement is requested.
5. Credit card charges: Due to the practical challenges of using a City credit card for
room reservations, the preferred method of arranging for lodging is for the traveler to
make a reservation using a personal credit card or other method and prepay the
charges using the City's regular accounts payable procedures. If alternate methods
aren't available, employees may request authorization to use the City credit card to
reserve a room by submitting the appropriate Credit Card Authorization form to the
Finance Department.
6. Number of nights authorized: Lodging is authorized for either the night before a
conference, general business meeting or other authorized event, or the night
following the last day. Only in extraordinary circumstances (such as the need to
arrive early or travel very late) shall lodging for both nights be authorized and then
only with the prior written approval of the Department Head and City Manager, via
the Travel Pre-Authorization Form.
Examples: Stan travels to the League of California Cities Meeting, which starts
Monday at 9:00 a.m. and concludes Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.. He is authorized
for lodging on Sunday night or Wednesday night, but not both.
Stacy travels to a professional conference, which begins on Monday at 8:00 a.m.
and concludes Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. The earliest flight leaves at 8:00 p.m.,
arriving in Palm Springs at midnight. Stacy may be authorized, with prior
approval, for lodging on Sunday and Wednesday nights.
I. Other Reimbursable Expenses
This section provides guidance on the reimbursement of expenses categorized
elsewhere in the policy.
1. Tips and Gratuities: Tips and gratuities are considered incidental expenses and are
therefore included in the per diem amount for M&IE. They are not eligible for
separate reimbursement.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 9 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
2. Registration Fees: The preferred method for paying convention or meeting
registration fees is to prepay them through the City's regular accounts payable
process. Registration fees that were not pre-paid and are otherwise paid the by
Official or Employee are eligible for reimbursement, provided receipts for payment
and proof of attendance are provided with the Travel Expense Report. Proof of
attendance may include, but is not limited to, event branded name tag, seminar or
workshop agenda obtained at the event, certificate of completion, or other record of
attendance.
3. Data and Telephone Access: Telephone, internet access usage and fax expenses
incurred to conduct City business may be reimbursed up to a maximum of $15 per
day. Receipts are required for reimbursement. Officials and Employees are eligible
for reimbursement for up to two personal telephone calls of reasonable duration per
day.
4. No Show and Late Cancellation Fees: This addresses situations where an Official or
Employee does not attend a conference, seminar or general business meeting and
expenses are incurred for that event such as conference fees, prepaid hotel
charges, airline charges, etc.. If an Official or Employee is unable to attend an event
or complete planned travel they shall make every effort to ensure any and all fees
prepaid by the City are refunded to the City. Official or Employee shall seek refunds
for fees they incur such as hotel cancellation and airline charges. A written
explanation addressing the reason(s) the Official or Employee was unable to attend
shall be attached to the Travel Expense Form documenting the expenses incurred
and shall be subject to City Manager approval prior to any reimbursement.
5. Miscellaneous: It is the policy of the City that no Official or Employee shall sustain
personal monetary loss as a result of duties performed in the service of the City,
however all expenditures and requests for reimbursement shall logically relate to the
conduct of City business and shall be necessary to accomplish the purposes of such
business and shall be reasonable in amount.
Expenses not otherwise classified shall be considered in this category and may
include such things as public stenographer fees, duplicating expenses,
memberships in professional City-related organizations, and the cost of publications
of value to the City or to the Official or Employee in furtherance of his/her official
duties. Other necessary expenses incurred when traveling on City business may be
allowed, however they require documentation and are subject to approval by the City
Manager.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 10 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
J. Additional Guidelines
1. Prepayment: Whenever practical, Officials and Employees should arrange for travel
related expenses (i.e., registrations, lodging, transportation, etc. ) to be directly billed
to the City or prepaid through the City's regular accounts payable process.
2. Advances: Advance payments for travel expenses may be authorized. Officials or
Employees requesting advances should submit their request via the normal
accounts payable process by attaching a voucher to the approved Travel Pre-
Authorization Form and obtaining the approval of their department head. Ample
time, a minimum of two weeks, should be allowed for processing. Advances must be
cleared by the submission of a Trave� Expense Report, and the return of unused
funds, within 30 days of return from travel.
3. Government Code and AB 1234 Compliance: It is the policy of the City that any and
all reimbursements provided to elected and appointed officials comply with
Government Code 53232-53232.4 and AB 1234.
a. Public Meeting Reports: An Elected Official requesting reimbursement shall
provide a brief report on meetings attended at the expense of the agency at
the next regular meeting of the agency. Such reports may be made orally or
in writing. Routine business meetings may be reported in writing on the
consent calendar of the agenda. Reports are not required for Local Meetings
as defined in the Local Meetings Policy.
4. Violation of this Policy: Pursuant to Government code Section 53232.4 misuse of
public resources or falsifying expense reports may result in any or all of the
following:
a. Loss of reimbursement privileges;
b. A demand for restitution to the City;
c. The City's reporting the expenses incurred by or paid to the Official or
Employee as taxable income to state and federal tax authorities;
d. Civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day and three times the value of the
resources used; and
e. Prosecution for misuse of public resources, pursuant to Section 424 of the
California Penal Code. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to
discipline up to and including termination.
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 11 of 12
RESOLUTION NO. 58 EXHIBIT "A"
K. Procedures for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses
Officials and Employees shall submit Travel Expense Report Forms to the Finance
Department within 30 days of their return from the subject travel, accompanied by
receipts and other documents substantiating expenditures and attendance. Receipts are
required for all expenses except those included in the M&IE per diem and tolls. Any
expense not included within the M&IE or substantiated by receipts or other
documentation will not be reimbursed and will be considered a personal expense.
Required documentation may include, but is not limited to:
a) Detailed credit card or cash payment receipt issued by the vendor;
b) Hotel receipt
c) Transportation, taxi or shuttle receipt
d) Mileage verification in the form of map service printouts
e) Conference Brochure, including "conference rate" for lodging
f) Certificate of Completion, meeting agenda, branded name badge or other
proof of attendance;
g) Statement of trip or meeting purpose
h) Travel Pre-Authorization Form
i) Council Actions approving travel
City of Palm Desert September 26, 2013
Travel and Expense Reimbursement Page 12 of 12