County Manager Jim Haynes said the new policy takes the county staff out of the picture on approving commissioner travel.
The six commissioners are allotted $200 a month auto allowance for a total of $2,400 a year. The chairman is allotted $250 a month for a total of $3,000 a year.
It is to be used for local travel and expenses, and no reimbursement is involved.
The board as a whole also has $18,000 allocated for attending conferences.
To make the $18,000 go as far as possible, commissioners are being asked to have attendance approved to share it amongst themselves.
Commissioners Pam Dillman and Peggy Covington both recently attended a national meeting of the National Association of Counties in Washington, D.C.
Covington said as a new commissioner, it was helpful for her to attend to be brought up-to-date on current issues and to network with commissioners from other places.
Dillman said she has become involved as a officer in positions within the national association which keeps her in contact with whatever programs might benefit Richmond County.
The policy says commissioners are encouraged to travel when possible to the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington and its annual conference and the N.C. Association of County Commissioners Annual Conference.
“Attendance at other meetings may require approval of the full board,” the policy said. “Budget considerations may also require a budget amendment be approved before travel can be authorized.”
Board members may be reimbursed for travel to and from meetings as well as the cost of three meals a day with appropriate receipts. There is no per diem.
While commissioners may be reimbursed for the cost of a taxi or other transportation needed for business purposes, there is no reimbursement authorized for telephone calls or other incidental expenses such as tips and luggage-handling charges.
“One of the requirements of a county commissioner is to stay abreast of activities and developments that may affect or enhance the position of Richmond County within the state or the nation,” the policy says.
That means there are times when to better evaluate programs and activities, it is sometimes beneficial for commissioners to travel to meetings and conferences out of the county.
When more than one commissioner chooses attend a conference, commissioners will now decide attendance based on funds available for a year.
Contact reporter Tom MacCallum at 997-3111, ext. 15; e-mail tmaccallum@yourdailyjournal.com.
Post a Comment
