Summary
To: Town Commission
From: Stefan Massol, Director of Support Services
Date: 1/16/2018
______________________________________________________________________
Subject:
Title
Resolution 2018-05 Travel and Training Policy
Summary:
Staff is proposing a Town of Belleair Travel and Training Policy
End
Body
Previous Commission Action: N/A
Background/Problem Discussion: For years it has been town policy to compensate travel expenses at the rates established by United States General Services Administration as well as the Internal Revenue Service. Because travel can at times extend outside of Pinellas County as well as the State of Florida these standards have been helpful in ensuring adequate funds are provided for meals and incidental travel expenses.
Historically, it had been the opinion of the Florida Attorney General’s office that municipalities have the right to have a travel policy that is separate from the State of Florida’s policy. The opinion was reversed in 2003, but in an immediate response to this reversal the Florida Senate passed Chapter 2003-125 that gave municipalities the right to establish their own policy and rates for travel costs.
In recent years staff has also sought to bring greater value to the training by encouraging staff to share what they have learned with coworkers upon their return. For purposes of managing the budgeted travel expenses, all requests are subject to the approval of the town manager. Enclosed is a copy of the town’s proposed travel and training policy as well as a resolution establishing the policy.
Financial Implications: N/A
Recommendation: Approval of the town travel and training expense policy
Proposed Motion: Motion to approve Resolution 2018-05 the town travel and training expense policy