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HomeMy WebLinkAboutReg 2016-02-16 Item 4E - Resolution - Expense Reimbursement PolicyCOUNCIL AGENDA SYNOPSIS ---------------------------- - - - - -- Initial. --------------------------------- I ITEM NO. Aleeliq Dale I 'repaced lay Wqyor' gm I ew Council relVey) 02/16/16 PMC 0:3 ISTAFFSPONSOR: PEGGY MCCARTHY 2/8/16 A(; j,"N DA Pri Ti,i,i,i; A resolution adopting an Expense Reimbursement Policy Cxr1"1(;()1tY ❑ Di,rws.4on illtg Dale ❑ Motion Alts Dale Z Resolution All g Date 2116116 ❑ Ordinane-e AQgDaie ❑ Bid,,12vard Mtq Dale F-1 Pub& Hearingo M g Dale ❑ 01her Alt Dale SPONSOR E]Council Ellwol'or E11/R ❑ DCD Z (finance ❑ 1_,in, ❑ J-1 OP&R E].Police E:1PlV SPONSOR'S Council is being asked to approve a Resolution adopting an Expense Reimbursement Policy. St1"\cNI'uzy At the February 2, 2016 Finance & Safety Committee meeting, minor changes were requested on page 6 of the resolution, Section 8, Lodging, paragraph C. Lodging, less than 50 miles, written "pre-approval" has been changed to "approval." Paragraph C item 4 was also changed from "pre-approval" to "approval." The changes requested are to accommodate emergency situations. RrX1rW1:1) 1w ❑ Cow Mtg. ❑ CA&T Cmte F&S Cmte ❑ ETransportation Cmte F-1 Utilities Cmte ❑ Arts Comm. ❑ Parks Corrit-n. ❑ Planning Comm. DATI,,': 02/02/16 COMMITFEIE'CIIAIR: SEAL RECOMMENDATIONS: SPONSOR /ADMIN. Finance CONIM ITH .r Forward to Committee of the Whole COST IMPACT / FUND SOURCE Exi,i'NDFITJRF RrQUIRFID AMOUM, BUDGETED APPROPRIATION REQUIRED Fund Source: Comments.- MTG. DATE RECORD OF COUNCIL ACTION 2/16/16 MTG. DATE ATTACHMENTS 2/16/16 informational Memorandum dated 01/20/16 Draft Resolution with strike-through showing change requested at 2/2/16 FS meeting Travel Expenses While On City Business policy 03-06 (former policy) WA State BARS Manual Section 3.8.2 Employee Travel Example of Eden Report Example of New Report Minutes from the Finance and Safety Committee meeting 02/02/16. 25 26 TO: FROM: BY: DATE: SUBJECT: ISSUE City of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM Mayor Ekberg Peggy McCarthy, Finance Director Vicky Carlsen, Deputy Finance Director January 20, 2016 Procurement Project Overview Update Mayor and Council regarding to steps taken to improve the city -wide procurement process and adopt the Expense Reimbursement Policy via Resolution as required by RCW 42.24.090. BACKGROUND Finance periodically reviews processes and procedures to ensure that they are efficient and effective while maintaining appropriate levels of internal control. Process Review: In 2014, the Finance Department began looking at ways to streamline the procurement process. Policies, forms, documents, and in some cases procedures, were not current with today's practices. The areas of emphasis were determined by reviewing existing policies and practices as well as conducting meetings with all departments. We felt there was value in identifying the bottle necks which were causing the departments frustration with the purchasing process. The following list of items were the result of finance review and input from departments. Process /Procedure /Item Add the ability for PCard users to input purchase descriptions on transactions for better financial reports. Outcome Completed. This change provides much better descriptions within the financial system. In many instances, we can now know what funds were spent on without the necessity of pulling the actual invoice. Eliminate the paper copy of Purchase Completed. Online version is now available Orders. for vendors that require a purchase order but they are no longer required by Finance. Review petty cash and change funds One petty cash fund was closed and a change fund was added for the Finance department. 27 INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 2 Review administrative policies for relevancy Policy 300 -02 Purchasing and Contracts: and accuracy. Updated and ready for approval. Policy 300 -05 Central Office Supplies: Recommended to Policy Committee to eliminate. Supplies are no longer purchased by a centralized system. Policy 300 -06 Claims Vouchers: Recommended to Policy Committee to eliminate. This has been replaced with Resolution 1835, which authorizes issuance of checks prior to Council approval. Policy 300 -10 Purchase Orders: Recommended to Policy Committee to eliminate. Purchase orders are no longer required. Develop better reporting options for users. Re -write 03 -06 Travel Expenses While on City Business policy. Expenditure detail reports have been developed and added to Eden for easy access. During department training sessions, these reports have been demonstrated and user access updated so that those that need to run reports, can run them on their own. See attached examples of old and new reports. This policy has been completely re- written and now encompasses all types of employee expense reimbursement. The policy has been reviewed by Recreation and Police departments before being reviewed by the City Administrator or the City Attorney. Many of their suggestions have been incorporated into the policy. It is now ready for review and 28 ZAClerk's n Finance \Info Memo - Procurement Process Improvements.docx adoption by City Council. Update Claims for Expense and Travel and Completed and placed on available on Expense Reimbursement Form. TukNet. Training on Expense classification versus Department staff that codes invoices attended budget. training on how to properly code invoices. Expenditures are coded to the appropriate GIL code regardless of budget available. Update the Purchasing Policy 300 -02. Draft complete, reviewed by City Attorney, and ready to be approved. Eliminate the use of Travel Attendance Eliminated for Finance and HR, but available Request forms. for Department use. Process Claim's just twice a month. Deemed not necessary. Raise the $40,000 approval limit. Deemed not necessary. 28 ZAClerk's n Finance \Info Memo - Procurement Process Improvements.docx INFORMATIONAL MEMO Page 3 Scanning of invoices. We will look into the feasibility of utilizing Laserfiche or some other method to capture invoices electronically. Pay vendors via Electronic Funds Transfer This option will be explored in 2016, time and (EFT). workload permitting. Amend TMC 3.32.030 Bids and 3.32.040 Unbudgeted Equipment or Fixed Asset Items These two sections should be rewritten so they are easier to understand and comply with. This will be addressed later in 2016, workload permitting. To date a good portion of the above items have been completed and implemented. By the end of 2015 all items on the list will have been addressed and shared with the departments. Expense Reimbursement Policy: This policy replaces the existing policy 03 -06 Travel Expenses While on City Business policy. It establishes procedures for reimbursing employees, appointed officials, chaplains, volunteers, and members of boards and commissions for City business expenses incurred and paid for that are reasonable and directly related to the individual's service on behalf of the City. The policy does not apply to elected City Councilmembers, who follow the Councilmember Travel policy. Per RCW 42.24 any municipal corporation that issues credit cards for travel related expenditures, the legislative body must pass an ordinance or resolution that establishes rules and regulations related to travel related expenditures. Since the City issues credit cards and encourages the use of the cards for travel related expenditures, the City is required to adopt this policy via ordinance or resolution. It is the City's practice to adopt policies via resolution rather than ordinance. RECOMMENDATION Council is being asked to approve the Resolution adopting the Expense Reimbursement Policy. This item is scheduled for the February 8, 2016 Committee of the Whole, and February 16, 2016 Regular Council Meeting. ATTACHMENT Draft Resolution Travel Expenses While On City Business policy 03 -06 (former policy) WA State BARS Manual Section 3.8.2 Employee Travel Example of Eden Report Example of New Report ZAClerk's n Finance \Info Memo - Procurement Process Improvements.docx 29 30 N RA elk, T >� A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, ADOPTING AN EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY. WHEREAS, an expense reimbursement policy is an important tool for managing reimbursements to employees, elected and appointed officials, chaplains, volunteers, and members of boards and commissions; and WHEREAS, an expense reimbursement policy increases internal control; and WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the City Council of the City of Tukwila to provide policy direction through the passage of motions and ordinances, adoption of resolutions, and final approval of the budget; and WHEREAS, an expense reimbursement policy establishes appropriate methods for reimbursement of expenses incurred by employees, elected and appointed officials, chaplains, volunteers, and members of boards and commissions; NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Purpose. To establish a policy and procedures for reimbursing City employees, elected and appointed officials, chaplains, volunteers and members of boards and commissions for travel, subsistence and related expenses incurred and paid for by them that are reasonable and directly related to the individual's service on behalf of the City. Section 2. Application. City employees in all departments and divisions, elected and appointed City officials, chaplains, volunteers, and members of boards and commissions. Exception. City Councilmembers shall follow the "Councilmember Travel Policy" for expenditures in conjunction with travel and training. Section 3. References. RCW 42.24, et seq., IRS Rev. Rul. 2006 -56, IRS Rev. Proc. 2005 -67, the website of the federal office of the General Services Administration (GSA), and the City's purchasing card policy. WAWord Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs Page 1 of 9 31 Section 4. Definitions. 1. 'Authorization." Refers to the process by which all travel expenses must be approved by someone other than the traveler; authorization should be from a direct supervisor, manager or department director. 2. "Coach class." Refers to the least expensive airline accommodation, also known as "economy class" or "tourist class." 3. "Continental breakfast." Defined as a light breakfast generally consisting of juice, bread or pastry and a hot beverage such as coffee or tea, and which may also include fruit. 4. "High -cost locations." Refers to specific cities or areas identified in the per diem tables by the General Services Administration for which per diem rates for food and lodging are higher than the standard rate. (Reference the GSA website.) 5. "In -state travel." Refers to travel within the State of Washington. 6. "Official residence." Refers to the city, town or other location where a staff member maintains a residence that is used as a primary domicile by the staff member. 7. "Official duty station." Refers to the city, town or other location where the staff member's office is located, or the city, town or location where the staff member's work is performed on a permanent basis. 8. "Out -of -state travel." Refers to travel outside the boundaries of the State of Washington. 9. "Per diem." Defined as the allowable amount covering meals, incidentals and lodging while in travel status per the GSA. 10. "Staff member." As used in this policy, "staff member" refers to City employees, elected or appointed officials, chaplains, volunteers, and members of boards and commissions. Exception: City Councilmembers shall follow the "Councilmember Travel Policy" for expenditures in conjunction with travel and training. 11. "Temporary duty station." Refers to a fixed location where a staff member has been temporarily assigned to work for a specific period of time for less than one year. 12. "Traveler." A staff member as defined in this policy, or authorized non -staff member, that is in travel status while on official City business. 13. "Travel status." Travel status begins two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. A staff member is in "travel status" when travel is on behalf of the City, for official City business and one or all of the following conditions are met: • Travel is on behalf of the City, for official City business. • The staff member stays overnight • The staff member's travel extends the scheduled work day by 3 hours beyond the staff member's regularly scheduled work day. W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 VC:bjs 32 Page 2 of 9 • Travel occurs more than 50 miles one way (most direct route) from either the official duty station or official residence, excluding the normal commute. Section 5. Reimbursement Requirements. A. Administration. 1. As required by State Law and the State Auditor's Office, individual claims for reimbursement must be detailed and supported for all monies spent conducting City business. To the extent, if any, that this policy and the reimbursement amounts included conflict with any bargaining unit contracts, the contracts shall be used to determine reimbursement. Claims for reimbursement submitted pursuant to a union contract(s) are not eligible for payment of per diem, but will instead be based on documented, itemized receipts at amounts in accordance with the terms of the applicable union contract(s). 2. A claim for personal reimbursement must be submitted in accordance with this policy and procedures within 30 days of the date the expense was incurred. No reimbursement requests will be authorized for any expenses incurred in a previous budget year. B. Approvals. 1. Authorization of travel is required, and authorization shall be administered in accordance with the current budget or other effective means. 2. Claims for expenses must be signed by a department director or direct supervisor, manager or individual with expense - approval authority as authorized by the department director. Department director claims must be signed by the City Administrator or Mayor. C. Documentation. 1. Claims for personal reimbursement must be accompanied by the vendor's original receipt that shall include the transaction date, vendor name, amount paid, and a detailed listing of items /services received; and must be submitted on the Expense Reimbursement Form, certified and signed by the individual seeking reimbursement. 2. If a staff member is filing a claim for reimbursement on behalf of others, the following detailed items must be included with the claim: a. The names of the individuals who traveled, partook of meals, or otherwise incurred expenses for which reimbursement is sought. b. Identification as to whether each individual is a staff member with the City and, for any non -City staff members listed, their job title (or other comparably - identifying information) and their connection with City business. c. Identification of the business or individual that provided the lodging, meals, or other services in question; dates; and times. W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs Page 3 of 9 33 d. A detailed breakdown of the amounts paid for which reimbursement is sought. e. A statement sufficiently detailed to show what City business was being carried out when the expenses were incurred. Section 6. Travel Related Expenses. A. Reimbursement for reasonable costs of business travel is available when authorized. For conferences offered at various locations, the City reserves the right to require staff members to attend the closest conference location, if available, to minimize travel costs. B. Individuals issued a City credit card are to use the card for costs incurred for business travel, when authorized. However, if an individual elects to claim per diem for meal reimbursement (versus actual cost), the individual must use their own funds and seek reimbursement pursuant to this policy and procedures. C. If an individual desires to have his or her family member(s) or guest(s) accompany him or her on any City related travel, the individual shall do so at their own expense. At no time will the City pay for expenses incurred in relation to family or guest accompaniment. Any change in itinerary made solely for the benefit of the staff member shall be done at the staff member's expense. Expenses for staff members must be kept separate from non -staff members, and the City reserves the right to reject a request for reimbursement where staff member and non -staff travel expenses have been improperly comingled. D. When travel costs, registration fees, and /or other fees have been paid by the City on behalf of an authorized staff member, and the authorized staff member fails — without good cause —to attend the event, the authorized staff member shall reimburse the City the amount(s) paid by the City. Whether good cause exists to excuse an absence shall be determined by the Department Director, City Administrator or Human Resources Director. Section 7. Transportation. A. General. Staff members are encouraged to use mass transit, where available and feasible, in an effort to minimize travel expenses. Reasonable transportation expenses for approved travel will be reimbursed. The most direct and cost effective mode of transportation will be the basis for the reimbursement. Where feasible, groups of staff members traveling together shall utilize carpooling methods to minimize the cost of commuting expenses. B. Air Travel. The maximum reimbursement of air travel expenses shall be no greater than coach class or its equivalent. Prudent effort shall be made to find the least expensive airfare which provides reasonably timely service. C. City Vehicles. City staff members are encouraged, whenever possible and vehicles are available, to use City motor pool vehicles for local travel. Operating City - owned vehicles requires a valid Washington State driver's license. W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs Page 4 of 9 34 D. Rental Vehicles. If it is more convenient and cost effective for more than one staff member to travel together, a vehicle may be rented if no City -owned vehicle is available for use. The City will reimburse for the purchase of supplemental insurance, the actual cost of fuel, and other necessary and related expenses, at the City's discretion. Receipts for actual expenses must accompany the Expense Reimbursement Form in order to obtain reimbursement. E. Personal Vehicles. 1. Privately -owned vehicles with auto insurance coverage sufficient to comply with RCW 46.30, et seq., may be used for official travel. If a staff member drives their own vehicle on City business, the staff member will be reimbursed the IRS mileage rate for each mile driven on City business. If an individual elects to drive rather than fly, mileage will be reimbursed in an amount equal to the reasonable cost of a round -trip coach airfare to the applicable locale, or the current mileage reimbursement rate established by the Internal Revenue Service, whichever is less. The IRS mileage reimbursement rate is inclusive of all costs associated with a personal vehicle including, but not limited to, gasoline, maintenance, wear and tear and auto insurance. 2. Mileage reimbursement will be at the City's discretion, and may be based on mapping software, odometer readings, or an average thereof. 3. When submitting a request for mileage reimbursement, staff members shall separate "point -to -point mileage" (driving to one destination using the most direct route) from "vicinity mileage" (driving to several destinations), as follows: a. Point -to- point. Use online map services to calculate point -to -point mileage. Staff members must include supporting documentation (i.e. an online map service or the car mileage and rates table printout) for reimbursement. b. Vicinity miles: Use the odometer reading to calculate vicinity mileage (e.g. picking up samples, visiting various sites within a central destination, conducting interviews, etc.) and include a mileage log with the Expense Reimbursement Form. 4. Staff members travelling from home to a temporary duty station will be reimbursed for the shorter distance of: home to the temporary duty station, or regular place of work to the temporary duty station. F. Taxis, Shuttles, Public Transportation. The City shall pay for the least costly and appropriate mode of transportation. Section 8. Lodging. A. Whenever lodging is procured for business travel purposes, staff members are encouraged to take advantage of any and all discounts available to them, including asking for a "government rate." W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs Page 5 of 9 35 B. Lodging, more than 50 miles. Staff members may be reimbursed for lodging when traveling on City business, when the destination is more than 50 miles (based on the most direct route) from the staff member's official residence or official duty station, whichever is closer to the destination, and the stay is in a commercial lodging facility. C. Lodging, less than 50 miles. Staff members may be reimbursed for lodging within 50 miles of the staff member's official residence or official duty station with written pre- approval from a department director or direct supervisor, manager or individual with approval authority as authorized by the department director (authorization via e -mail is acceptable for these purposes only), if one of the following conditions is met: 1. The staff member is attending back -to -back late night/early morning meetings and daily round -trip travel is unreasonable. 2. The staff member is acting in a custodial or leadership role and must, as part of the staff member's duties, lodge with prisoners or other non -staff members. 3. The staff member needs to avoid driving in severe inclement weather. 4. The staff member's department director determines that the staff member performs critical functions and must remain at the workstation during emergency situations and the staff member has an fie- approval letter (authorization via e -mail is acceptable for these purposes only) from the department director, City Administrator, or Mayor. Section 9. Meals. A. General. Reasonable and necessary meals incurred directly by the staff member while traveling on City business may be reimbursed, including reasonable gratuity (not to exceed 20% of the base price for the meal, unless automatically billed by vendor). The staff member must be in travel status to qualify for reimbursement. B. Reimbursement Method. Meals will be reimbursed at either the actual documented cost up to the per diem limit for the destination location, or the current prevailing per diem rate for the destination city (per GSA website). C. Meals Qualifying for Reimbursement (staff member must be in Travel Status). TRAVEL STATUS TIME PERIOD MEAL (S) REIMBURSABLE If Travel Status begins: Before 8:00 Ann Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Between 8:00 AM — 2:00 PM Lunch, Dinner Between 2:00 PM — 6:00 PM Dinner TRA\/EL STATUS TIME PERIOD MEAL(S) REIMBURSABLE If staff member comes off Travel Status by returning to the official duty station or official residence: Before 12:00 NOON Breakfast Between 12 noon — 6:00 PM Breakfast and Lunch After 6:00 PM Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs 36 Page 6 of 9 D. Maximum Per Meal Reimbursement. The maximum reimbursement amount for both per diem and actual costs incurred is determined or capped by the rate in effect during the time of travel according to the GSA website. The $5.00 GSA "incidental allowance" is allocated to meals as follows: $1.00 Breakfast, $2.00 Lunch, and $2.00 Dinner. For staff members using a City credit card to pay for allowed meals, if actual costs (meal, tax and tip) exceed the GSA per diem allowance, the staff member shall pay the excess amount to the City in the form of a check. E. Non - Reimbursable Meals. The following meals will not be reimbursed if they are provided through another means, including but not limited to meals included in a lodging package or as part of a conference: 1. Meals included in the price of lodging, such as full breakfasts. Airline meals or "continental breakfasts" will not be considered a full meal, meaning the staff member will be reimbursed for that meal per this policy. 2. Meals included in a registration fee. For reimbursement of meals related to travel for conference or training attendance, a copy of the agenda or program must be attached to the Expense Reimbursement Form before meals will be reimbursed. 3. Any meal provided, regardless of whether or not consumed, at the function the staff member attended. Section 10. Miscellaneous Travel Expenses. The following expenses are eligible for reimbursement, at the City's discretion, if they relate to the conduct of official City business, are necessary and reasonable business expenses, and are consistent with efforts to minimize the cost of travel for City business- 1 . Parking 2. Ferry tolls 3. Internet access, if necessary to complete official City business 4. Transit fare 5. Bag check fees Section 11. Non - Reimbursable Expenses. Items for which no reimbursement shall be authorized or allowed include, but are not limited to: 1. Laundry, cleaning or valet services (except for uniformed staff members otherwise allowable according to labor agreements). Laundry or cleaning is allowable, up to $15.00, for overnight stays in excess of five consecutive days. 2. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco. 3. Entertainment, including in -room video rentals. 4. Personal phone calls or telegrams. 5. First class or business class airfare when economy or coach class is available. W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 VC:bjs Page 7 of 9 37 6. Meals and lodging in lieu of other meals and /or lodging when these items are included in a reservation or registration fee. 7. Room service above the allowable meal per diem amount. 8. Fines, forfeitures, tickets or penalties. 9. Expenses of a spouse, domestic partner or any other non -staff member unless otherwise specifically pre- authorized. 10. Travel insurance. 11. Gambling expenses. 12. All other personal services such as barber, etc. Section 12. Meal Expense Reimbursement when not in Travel Status. A. City payment for business - related food and beverage when staff members are not in travel status (as defined in this policy) will be approved when the following conditions are met. 1. The food and drink is consumed only by those participating in an event relating to City business. 2. Supporting documentation must state the nature of the occasion, the attendees and an agenda. 3. Expenses are "reasonable." B. Business Meals between Staff Members and Non -Staff Members. The practice of the City providing meals to non -city staff members is discouraged. However, for department directors and above, the City recognizes there are situations where non - city staff members provide an unpaid service to the City during a mealtime. The costs of meals while conducting City business with persons other than City staff members, either locally or out of town, are authorized for reimbursement subject to the limitations described in this policy. C. Training Meals. When not in travel status as defined in this policy, it is the responsibility of staff members to provide meals for themselves when attending a training session, conference, seminar or similar event. Staff members will be reimbursed for the meal according to their union contract(s) when the previous statement is in conflict with their bargaining unit agreement. W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 vc:bjs Page 8 of 9 D. Working Meals. The City recognizes there are occasions when it may be necessary for a group of public officials and /or staff members to work through a meal in order to meet a deadline or to keep a group convened in order to accomplish the task. To be considered for reimbursement as a working meal, the meeting must span over a three -hour period, which includes the group's normal mealtime. E. Business Meals between City Staff Members. Meals (including snacks) between City staff members will not normally be reimbursed. It is expected that City business between City staff members can (with the caveats listed in this policy) be conducted on City premises, during normal work hours. F. Meals with Elected or Appointed Officials. When a City staff member pays for meals where elected or appointed officials are in attendance at an event that qualifies under the Councilmember Travel Policy, any reimbursement sought by the City staff member paying for the meal will be processed under that policy. Section 13. Expense Reimbursement. Sometimes it is necessary for staff members to purchase items to conduct City business using personal funds. Purchases of this nature may be reimbursed with proper approval from the department director or with delegated authority from the department director. All requests for reimbursement made pursuant to this section must be submitted as follows: 1. Purchases under $50. Out -of- pocket purchases under $50 can be made the same day from a Petty Cash fund. The staff member shall complete a "Petty Cash" slip, obtain approval for the reimbursement/purchase, and then take it to his or her designated Petty Cash fund with the original receipt. 2. Purchases over $50. Out -of - pocket purchases over $50 may be reimbursed if the staff member submits an Expense Reimbursement Form, including the original purchase receipt. Approved claims will be reimbursed in the next accounts payable claim cycle once the Expense Reimbursement Form is submitted and approved. PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a Regular Meeting thereof this day of , 2016. ATTEST /AUTHENTICATED: Christy O'Flaherty, MMC, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM BY: Rachel B. Turpin, City Attorney Joe Duffie, Council President Filed with the City Clerk:_ Passed by the City Council: Resolution Number: W: \Word Processing \Expense Reimbursement Policy strike -thru 2 -8 -16 VC:bjs Page 9 of 9 +G .i �J ...u..... a yi POLICY AND PROCEDURE ieaa Subject: Index: TRAVEL EXPENSES WHILE ON CITY BUSINESS FINANCE Number: 03 -06 Effective Date: Supersedes: Page 1 of 9 Staff Contact: Date: Approved_ b�: � / � 1 / 9 � 1 f) 03 -Ob Finance Director 06/23/I0 ,� 1.0 PURPOSE: To establish a policy and procedure related to obtaining travel authorization, advance travel funds, and expenditure or reimbursement authorization for expenses incurred in conduct of business of the City. 2.0 ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED: All departments and divisions. 3.0 REFERENCES: RCW 42.24, IRS Rev. Rul, 2006 -56, IRS Rev. Proc. 2005 -67 4.0 POLICY: 4.1 It is the policy of the City of Tukwila to reimburse City employees, appointed officials, and members of boards and commissions for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the conduct of their business on behalf of the City. Eligible meal reimbursements shall be made on a per diem or itemized basis (see below for eligible meal reimbursements). All other eligible expenses, including lodging and mileage, shall be reimbursed on an actual expense basis only, and must be accompanied by invoices and/or receipts showing proof of payment. Reimbursement for necessary and reasonable expenses will be made by application and in compliance with this policy and Chapter 42.24, of the Revised Code of Washington. All persons are to use good judgment and discretion, limiting expenses with the best interests of the City foremost in mind. Excessive or unnecessary expenses will not be approved or reimbursed. It is expressly prohibited to use City travel funds for personal purposes. This policy is intended to comply with IRS regulations concerning accountable business expense reimbursement plans, which do not require inclusion of reimbursed expenses in compensatory earnings, subject to employment taxes and inclusion in W -2 wages. 4.2 Payment in advance of travel expenses may be made subject to and in compliance with Chapter 3.04, Tukwila Municipal Code, Advance Travel Expense Revolving Fund. An advance for approved anticipated travel expenses will not be paid when total estimated expenditures are less than $50.00. Meals. Meals will be reimbursed at either 1) actual documented cost, or 2) the current prevailing per diem rate. At no time will meals be reimbursed at an amount more than the per diem rate. An employee can be reimbursed for less than the per diem amount upon submittal of itemized receipts. 41 To the extent, if any, that this policy and the reimbursement amounts included conflict with any bargaining unit contracts, the contracts will be used to determine reimbursement. Claims for reimbursement according to union contracts are not eligible for payment of per diem, but will instead be based on documented, itemized receipts at amounts in accordance with union contracts. To the extent that reimbursement is made for any meal above the amounts provided for by location by the U.S. General Services Administration, such excess will be included in compensable wages of the employee, in accordance with regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service for accountable fringe benefit plans, and included in the employee's W -2 wages. When the actual documented costs are reimbursed, receipts, proof of payment documentation, or certification in the case of lost or non - available receipts are required for all reimbursements. Such documentation shall be provided to the Finance Department within five (5) business days of returning from travel. The above amounts specifically include the cost of the meal, incidental expenses, sales tax and customary tip or gratuity. Travelers will make every attempt to request a receipt from the vendor if they do not have one. In the rare occasion when a receipt can not be produced by the vendor, a certification from the employee of the amount paid, payee, and business purpose, will be allowed in place of the original receipt if approved by signature of the department director. The amount claimed will be reimbursed only if the original receipt is provided, unless a certification signed by the director is submitted with the Travel Expense Reimbursement Form. Employees shall be reimbursed for the cost of meals, including a reasonable tip (no more than 15% unless automatically billed by vendor), using the following guidelines: Breakfast $ 11 Lunch 14 Dinner 21 Total $ 46 4.2.1 The maximum amount for meals is $46 for all standard locations within the continental USA, expect for those identified as high cost locations (as defined by the U.S. General Services Administration, available at www.gsa.gov /mig). The maximum reimbursement amount, as of October 1, 2009, for King County (if in travel status) is $71. The reimbursement per meal in King County is $18 for breakfast, $21 for lunch, and $32 for dinner. Note that travelers should check the GSA web site for the per diem rate in effect during their time of travel. 4.2.2 The City will reimburse up to the maximum food allowance specified for the destination while the employee is there and during travel to and from that location when: The employee stays overnight. When the employee is not paying for lodging and is staying with friends, family, or colleagues. Page 2 of 9 42 • When you have been in travel status and you are not staying overnight. The traveler must be in travel status for more than three hours before or after their normally scheduled shift. The three hours may be any combination of time before and/or after your normal working hours on the day in question. • The provisions contained herein apply to meal reimbursements while in travel status only, and do not apply to meals purchased when not in travel status for official City business. Such meal purchases are covered by other Finance policies. 4.2.3 An employee is considered to be in travel status, for travel expense reimbursement purposes only, when; • Traveling on behalf of the City, • Traveling three hours beyond the employee's normal work hours, and • More than 50 miles one way (most direct route) from either the official duty station or official residence, exclusive of commuting between the official duty station and official residence. 4.2.4 If an employee is traveling overnight, or meets the three hour rule, the City may reimburse the employee for meals according to these general guidelines; • Regardless of when an employee's normally scheduled shift starts, when entering into travel status by departing from your official duty station or official residence: o Before 8:00 a.m., an employee may be reimbursed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. o After 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., an employee may be reimbursed for lunch, and dinner. o After 2:00 p.m, until 6:00 p.m., an employee may be reimbursed for dinner. • An employee may go into travel status up to two hours before a domestic flight and up to three hours before an international flight. Whether an employee flies or drives, the employee should depart in time to observe the start time of the City business while taking into consideration that the most economical travel option must be selected. o For example: If a conference starts on Monday at Sam in New York, it would be a reasonable expectation that the employee goes into travel status on Sunday to arrive in New York in time to observe the start time of the conference. • When an employee comes off travel status by returning to the official duty station or official residence: • Before 12 noon, the employee may be reimbursed for breakfast. • After 12 noon until 6:00 p.m., the employee may be reimbursed for breakfast and lunch. Page 3 of 9 43 o After 6:00 p.m., the employee may be reimbursed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. • For the day you leave on your trip, use the per diem schedule specified for the location where you will spend the night. For the day you return from your trip, use the per diem schedule specified for the last location where you stayed overnight. 4.2.5 The City does not reimburse for certain meals; « Meals during normal work days. These types of expenses are not travel related and are addressed by the City's meal reimbursement policy. Meals included in the price of lodging, such as full breakfasts at a B &B (bed and breakfast). The City will not pay for separate meal expenses if the cost of the hotel or B &B includes a meal. Airline meals or "continental breakfasts" will not be considered a full meal, meaning the employee will be reimbursed at the per diem amount for that meal. • Meals included in a registration fee. For reimbursement of meals related to travel for conference or training attendance, a copy of the agenda or program must be attached to the Travel Expense Reimbursement Form before meals will be reimbursed. A "continental breakfast," though, is not considered a meal and will be reimbursed even if the cost of which is included in the registration fee. Any meal provided, regardless of whether or not consumed, at the function the employee attended. 43 Airfare. Employees are required to select travel options that are most economical to the City. An acceptable way to identify the lowest available coach fare is to document, via a travel agency or an online booking web site, comparable fares for at least three different commercial air carriers. 4.3.1 Employees must choose the most direct travel between their official duty station or official residence. If an employee wishes to divert to another location as part of their travel itinerary, this must be at the employee's expense. An employee would be required to provide proof of the cost of a direct flight, which the city will pay for, as compared to the booked itinerary. 4.3.2 The city will not pay for travel expenses of a spouse, domestic partner or any other non - employee traveling with an employee, except as discussed below. 4.3.3 The city will pay for non - employee travel in only a few circumstances, such as prisoners or applicants for city employment. To be eligible for city reimbursement, the travel must be in the city's best interest. 4.4 Mileage. City employees are encouraged, whenever possible and vehicles are available, to use City motor pool vehicles for local travel. If an employee drives their own vehicle on City Page 4 of 9 44 business, the employee is reimbursed the applicable mileage rate for each mile driven. The mileage rate reimbursement includes the wear and tear on the car, the cost of gas and insurance. 4.4.1 Separate "point -to -point mileage" (driving to one destination using the most direct route) from "vicinity mileage" (driving to several destinations): • Point -to- point: Use Mapquest or other online map services to calculate point - to -point mileage. Employees must include supporting documentation (i.e. a Mapquest or the car mileage and rates table printout) for reimbursement. Mapquest driving mileage will not be accepted between locations where ferry service provides the most direct route. • Vicinity miles: Use the odometer reading to calculate vicinity mileage` (eg. picking up samples, visiting various sites within a central destination, conducting interviews, etc.) and include a mileage log with your Travel Expense Reimbursement Form. • Employees travelling from home to a temporary duty station will be reimbursed for the shorter of home to the temporary duty station, or regular place of work to the temporary duty station. 4.4.2 Driving instead of flying. If the employee chooses to drive instead of flying, the employee may be reimbursed point -to -point mileage for a personal vehicle or cost of a rental car plus gas (from official duty station to temporary duty station only) up to the lowest available coach fare for the same trip as evidenced by a comparable itinerary. • Employees may also receive meals and lodging per diem according to these guidelines. Use the per diem for the location where the employee sleeps. The employee is responsible for their own car insurance. If the employee is in an accident, the employee's insurance carrier is the primary coverage. • Since employees must select travel options that are most economical to the City, the employee must provide documentation, in the form of fares for comparable itineraries, showing the cost of driving to be less than the cost of airfare. 4.4.3 Commuting expenses. Daily transportation between an employee's official residence and the official duty station is not considered "travel status" and therefore a personal obligation and is not reimbursable. • If an employee goes on or off travel status on a day they are regularly scheduled to work, and they do report to work, the employee is reimbursed only for mileage between the official duty station and the airport. For instance, an employee that drives from SeaTac airport to their official duty station, then home would only be reimbursed for mileage between the airport and work. 4.5 Lodging. Employees may be reimbursed for lodging when traveling on City business, when the destination is more than 50 miles (most direct route) from the closer of either the official residence or official duty station, and the stay is in a commercial lodging facility. Employees Page 5 of 9 45 are encouraged to take advantage of any and all discounts available to them, including asking for "governmental" rates. 4.5.1 A commercial lodging facility is a business, non - profit or governmental entity that provides lodging accommodations for a fee. A commercial lodging facility other than a hotel must be supported by a tax ID number or a published advertisement. The facility must be available to the general public to qualify as commercial lodging (i.e. listed with a rental agency, newspaper ad, etc.). Reimbursements for lodging at private residence not supported by a tax ID number or a rental listing are not allowed under State and City policies and procedures. 4.5.2 The maximum amount for lodging is $70 per night for all standard locations within the continental USA, expect for those identified as high cost locations (as defined by the U.S. General Services Administration, available at www.gsa.gov). Employees inust provide documentation from the GSA web site, attached to the travel expense reimbursement form, for their destination. 4.5.3 An exception to the maximum lodging reimbursement will be made in the case of an employee who stays at a conference hotel, if the employee does not also rent a car while travelling. The exception will be in lieu of rental car reimbursement, and will be for up to 150% of the lodging per diem amount listed on the GSA web site. 4.5.4 A listing of lodging establishments honoring the lodging per diem amounts listed on the GSA web site can be found at www.fedrooms.com. 4.5.5 Employees may be reimbursed for lodging within 50 miles of the official residence or official duty station under one of the following conditions: • The employee is attending back -to -back late night/early morning meetings and you have prior written approval from an authorized person. • The employee is acting in a custodial or leadership role and must, as part of the employee's duties, lodge with prisoners or other non - employees, and the employee has prior written approval from an authorized person. • The employee needs to stay in a commercial lodging facility to avoid driving in severe inclement weather, and the employee has an approval letter from an authorized person. • The employee's department determines that the employee performs critical functions and must remain at the workstation during emergency situations and the employee has an approval letter from the department director, City Administrator or Mayor. 4.6 Miscellaneous travel expenses. The following expenses are eligible for reimbursement if they relate to the conduct of official city business, are necessary and reasonable business expenses, and if consistent with efforts to minimize the cost of travel for city business: • Taxi • Airport shuttle Page 6 of 9 46 • Parking • Ferry tolls • Internet access, if necessary to complete official city business • Bus fare • Bag check fees Employees are encouraged to use mass transit, where available and feasible, in an effort to minimize travel expenses. 4.7 Unallowable travel expenses shall include, but are not limited to: • Laundry, cleaning or valet services (except for uniformed employees otherwise allowable according to labor agreements). Laundry or cleaning is allowable, up to $15.00, for overnight stays in excess of five consecutive days. • Alcoholic beverages and tobacco. • Entertainment, including in -room video rentals. • Personal phone calls or telegrams. • First class, or business class, airfare when economy or coach class is available. • Meals and lodging in lieu of other meals and /or lodging when these items are included in the'registration fee. • Room service above the allowable meal per diem amount. • Fines, forfeitures, tickets or penalties. • Expenses of a spouse, domestic partner or any other non - employee unless otherwise specifically allowed. • Travel insurance. • Gambling expenses. • All other personal services such as barber, etc. 4.8 When the per diem method is used for meals, a Travel Expense Reimbursement Form must be completed and submitted to the Finance Department within five (5) business days of returning from travel. 4.9 If authorized staff desire to have their family members or guests accompany him/her on any City related travel, the authorized staff shall do so at their own expense. At no time will the City pay for additional expenses incurred in relation to family or guest accompaniment. Any change in itinerary made solely for the benefit of the employee will be done at the employee's expense. Employees must identify on the receipt expenses related to their travel if receipts include expenses for non- employee travelers as well. 4.10 When travel costs and/or registration or other fees have been paid by the City on behalf of the authorized staff, and that the authorized staff fails, without good cause to attend the event, said staff shall reimburse the City the amount paid by the City. Questions of good cause shall be determined by the Department Director, City Administrator or Human Resources Director. Page 7 of 9 47 4.11 Operating city owned vehicles requires a valid Washington State driver's license. When using a personal vehicle for City business, proof of a valid Washington State driver's license and valid insurance is required. 4.12 The City shall pay for the least costly and/or appropriate mode of transportation to the destination. For conferences offered at various locations, management reserves the right to require employees attend the closest conference location, if available, to minimize travel costs. 4.13 Where feasible, groups of employees traveling together will utilize carpooling methods to minimize the cost of commuting expenses. 4.14 The City shall not reimburse more than the reasonable cost of travel. 4.15 All out -of -state travel must be pre - approved by the Mayor or City Administrator before the commitment of liability against the City of Tukwila for payment. 4.16 In addition to the requirements contained herein, travelers and departments may be subject to additional requirements of external granting agencies if the travel is grant funded. 4.17 Definitions 4.17.1 Authorization — All travel expenses must be approved by someone other than the traveler. This should be a direct supervisor, manager or director. 4.17.2 Coach class — The least expensive airline accommodation, also known as "economy class" or "tourist class." 4.17.3 Commercial carrier — A company in the business of providing transportation for passengers on a commercial basis. For instance, airlines, railroads, etc. 4.17.4 Commercial lodging facility — A business, non -profit or governmental entity that provides lodging accommodations for a fee. 4.17.5 Continental breakfast — A light breakfast generally consisting of juice, bread or pastry and a hot beverage such as coffee or tea. May also include fruit. 4.17.6 Economical - Direct financial, work- related costs that occur at the least cost to the City and which the City is responsible to pay. 4.17.7 High cost locations — Specific cities or areas identified in the per diem tables by the General Services Administration for which per diem rates for food and lodging are higher than the standard rate. (See www.gsa. ovo. 4.17.8 Incidental expenses — Fees and tips given to doormen, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, and for other personal services provided. This is not a miscellaneous expense. An allowance for incidental expenses is already included within the daily subsistence rate for the area of travel. 4.17.9 Official residence — The city, town or other location where an employee maintains a residence which is used as a primary domicile by the employee. 4.17.10 Official duty station — The city, town or other location where the employee's office is located, or the city, town or location where the employee's work is performed on a permanent basis. Page 8 of 9 48 4.17.11 Per diem — The allowable amount covering meals, incidentals and lodging while in travel status. Following is a breakdown of common Meal and Incidental Expense reimbursement amounts: Sample Der diem amounts. varies based on location Breakfast $ 11 $13 $14 $15 $16 $18 Lunch 14 15 17 18 20 21 Dinner 21 23 25 28 30 32 Total $ 46 $51 $56 $61 $66 $71 4.17.12 Per diem (travel) advance — Requested by City travelers a minimum of one week prior to departure. Eligible expenses for a travel advance include meals, incidentals and lodging. 4.17.13 Regularly scheduled work day — An employee's established, on -going work hours, such as Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4.17.14 Temporary duty station — A fixed location where an employee has been temporarily assigned to work for a specific period of time for less than one year. 4.17.15 Transportation expenses — Those costs covering: • Travel by commercial carriers, such as bus, train, ship and airplane. • Travel by privately -owned motor vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, vans and trucks. • Travel by rental motor vehicle. • Any combination of the above. 4.17.16 Traveler — An employee, or authorized non - employee, that is in travel status while on official City business. 4.17.17 Travel status — An employee is in travel status when all the following conditions are met: • Travel is on behalf of the City, for official City business. • The employee's travel occurs more than three hours beyond (before or after) the employee's regularly scheduled work day. • Travel occurs more than fifty miles one way (most direct route) from either the official duty station or official residence, excluding commuting between the official duty station and official residence. Page 9 of 9 49 50 3. ACCOUNTING 3.8 Expenditures 3.8.2 Employee Travel 3.8.2.10 For the purpose of the BARS, travel expense includes amounts paid for use of personal automobiles, other transportation, and actual expenses or reimbursement in lieu of actual expenses for meals, lodging, and related items. 3.8.2.20 The legislative body of each municipality must pass an ordinance or resolution to establish rules and regulations for the reimbursement of travel expense. There should be rules to cover all municipal officials and employees. The ordinance or resolution should discuss the municipal policy on tipping, charging expenses to the municipality, and it should prohibit reimbursement for personal expenses and entertainment. 3.8.2.30 If any municipal corporation wishes to issue credit cards for travel related expenditures, the legislative body must pass an ordinance or resolution to establish rules and regulations that satisfy provisions of Chapter 42.24 RCW, including: 1. Submission of a fully itemized travel expense voucher by the employee or officer; 2. Settlement by the officer or employee within 30 days of the billing date; and. 3. The establishment of a lien against salary for any disallowed charges. 3.8.2.40 Claims for reimbursement of travel expenses must contain a signed certification that includes the following language, I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that this is a true and correct claim for necessary expenses incurred by me and that no payment has been received by me on account thereof: 3.8.2.50 In addition, if an officer or employee is filing a claim on behalf of others, he /she must prepare a detailed account that includes: 1. Names of the others who traveled, partook of meals, or otherwise incurred expenses. 2. Whether they were municipal employees and, if not, who they were and what connection they had with municipal business. This should not be construed to permit promotional hosting. 3. Who provided the lodging, meals or other services in question, dates and times. 4. A detailed breakdown of amounts. 5. Some statement sufficiently explicit to show what municipal business was being carried out when the expenses were incurred. 51 52 expdetl.rpt 01/26/2016 4:06PM Periods: 12 through 12 Expenditure Detail Report City of Tukwila 12/01/2015 through 12/31/2015 Page: 1 000 GENERAL 01 CITY COUNCIL Account Number 000.01.510 000.01.511 000.01.511.600 000.01.511.600.41.00 000.01.511.600.42.00 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 000.01.511.600.42.00 000.01.511.600.43.00 12/23/2015 cr 12/30/2015 ap GENERAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES LEGISLATIVE LEGISLATIVE SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES COMMUNICATION IN 12155342666152737440 013746 VZWRLSS *IVR VW IN 12155342666152737457 013746 VZWRLSS *IVR VW IN 12155342666152738588 013746 VZWRLSS *IVR VW COMMUNICATION TRAVEL Vendor: 002650 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 013862 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 017043 12/31/2015 ap Vendor: 012202 GJ CR122315 IN 12301520 CITY OF TUKWILA, PETTY CASH - FIN IN 12155338173382074652 WSCC PFD PARKING IN 12155360000018400017 LA CONNER COUNTRY INN IN 12155337207161600144 SEATTLE CITY LIGHT Adjusted Appropriation Expenditures Expenditures Encumbrances Year -to -date Year -to -date 16, 500.00 0.00 6,958.70 6,000.00 0.00 65.44 Line Description: Kathy Hougardy iPhone Check # 151200 120.03 Line Description: Council iPads Check # 151200 120.03 Line Description: Council Data Cards Check # 151200 6,000.00 305.50 40,000.00 0.00 -38.00 Line Description: MISC - Miscellaneous 29.37 Line Description: MEALS - HOUGARDY, KRULLER Check # 371145 3,551.47 3,856.97 26,972.88 12.00 Line Description: Chamber Reception - Kruller Check # 151200 400.00 Line Description: Retreat Deposit Check # 151200 Line Description: RLSJ - Kruller Check # 151200 15.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Prct Balance Used 9,541.30 42.17 2,448.53 59.19 2,143.03 64.28 13,027.12 67.43 Page: 1 expdetl.rpt 01 /26/2016 4:06PM Periods: 12 through 12 Expenditure Detail Report City of Tukwila 12/01/2015 through 12/31/2015 Page: 2 000 GENERAL 01 CITY COUNCIL Account Number Adjusted Year -to -date Year -to -date Prct Appropriation Expenditures Expenditures Encumbrances Balance Used 000.01.511.600.43.00 TRAVEL (Continued) 12/31/2015 ap IN 12311541 172.25 Line Description: MILEAGE /ORCA Vendor: 010751 HOUGARDY, KATHY Check # 371261 12/31/2015 ap IN 12311542 197.35 Line Description: MILEAGE /PARKING Vendor: 006804 ROBERTSON, DENNIS Check # 371302 000.01.511.600.43.00 TRAVEL 40,000.00 787.97 27,760.85 0.00 12,239.15 69.40 000.01.511.600.49.00 MISCELLANEOUS 2,400.00 0.00 80.00 0.00 2,320.00 3.33 000.01.511.600.49.44 MISC- TRAINING REGISTRATION 8,000.00 0.00 6,422.21 0.00 1,577.79 80.28 Total GENERAL 72,900.00 1,093.47 45,078.73 0.00 27,821.27 61.84 Grand Total 72,900.00 1,093.47 45,078.73 0.00 27,821.27 61.84 Page: 2 General Ledger Expenditure Detail Report Year 2015 Report Period 12 through 12 PER VEN # VENDOR TT DS INVOICE # CHECKNO PURCHASE DESCRIPTION PROJECT AMOUNT 000.01.511.600.42.00 COMMUNICATION 12 013746 12 013746 12 013746 000.01.511.600. 000.01.511.600. VZWRLSS *IVR VW VZWRLSS *IVR VW VZWRLSS *IVR VW 42.00 43.00 TRAVEL IN ap 12155342666152737440 IN ap 12155342666152737457 IN ap 12155342666152738588 151200 151200 151200 Kathy Hougardy iPhone Council iPads Council Data Cards TOTAL COMMUNICATION 65.44 120.03 120.03 305.50 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 000.01.511.600.43.00 012202 013862 017043 002650 010751 006804 SEATTLE CITY LIGHT WSCC PFD PARKING LA CONNER COUNTRY INN CITY OF TUKWILA HOUGARDY ROBERTSON 01 01 IN ap IN ap IN ap IN ap IN ap IN ap GJ cr 12155337207161600144 12155338173382074652 12155360000018400017 12301520 12311541 12311542 CR122315 151200 151200 151200 371145 371261 371302 RLSJ - Kruller Chamber Reception - Kruller Retreat Deposit MEALS - HOUGARDY, KRULLER MILEAGE /ORCA MILEAGE /PARKING MISC - Miscellaneous TOTAL TRAVEL 15.00 12.00 400.00 29.37 172.25 197.35 (38.00) 787.97 000.01.511.600.4 *. ** Page 1 of 1 56 Finance and Safety Committee Minutes ................................................................................ ............................... February2, 2016 D. Resolution: Adopting an n Expense Reimbursement Policy Staff provided an overview of C1 recent actions taken by the Finance Department in Cl" overarching project intended to streamline the procurement process. Existing policies and practices were reviewed, bottlenecks were identified, and other departments were consulted, resulting in several actions to improve and streamline processes as outlined in the memo. Staff is seeking Council approval of a resolution that would adopt an expense reimbursement policy for the City and replace existing policy 03 -06, Travel Expenses while On City Business. The resolution would establish revised procedures for reimbursing employees, officials, chaplains, and volunteers for reasonable expenses incurred in the course of City business. UNANIMOUS APPROVAL. FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 16, 2016 REGULAR CONSENT AGENDA. E. Facilities Plan Options: Annexation of Fire Department vs. Retention of Fire Department Held as previously stated by the Chair. F. Financial Planning Model - AttachmentA Staff presented an updated Attachment to the Financial Planning Model that includes the 2015- 2016 mid - biennium budget amendments, 2015 final estimates, and formatting changes. Committee members reviewed the document line by line. Councilmember Robertson distributed two alternate representations of the information while noting the deficiencies of the model due to unpredictabilityin the out years. He finds itdifficultto consider large financial issues such as facility replacement or fire services without an accurate forecast. Councilmember Kruller stated she has been researching priority -based budgeting strategies as used in Longmont, Colorado, and would like the Council to consider transitioning to that style. Chair Seal commented that Councilmembers are coming up with their own approaches based on the budget amendments to police and fire but that the common theme is needing more transparency and understanding more about service costs and departmental spending. The Committee requested an updated debt service schedule. INFORMATION ONLY. III. MISCELLANEOUS Financial Policies Committee members discussed how they would like to approach a greater understanding of current financial policies as well as providing clear direction on new policies. The following decisions /requests emerged: The Committee would like to review existing policies. • The Committee welcomes suggestions from staff. • The Council Analyst will track suggestions from Councilmembers. MA