TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY - 2006

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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: MAY 15, 2006 TITLE: �dwcation lsr RESOLUTION ADOPTING A TRAVEL AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT POLICY PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 1234 CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF THE COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on 15i Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2nd Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For_ CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Adopt a resolution establishing travel and expense reimbursement policies for the City Council and Boards and Commissions. DISCUSSION In 2005, the California Legislature enacted Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 as part of AB 1234, a comprehensive open - government measure. Many provisions of AB 1234 are or may be inapplicable to Santa Ana as a charter city. Nevertheless, staff recommends that the City Council, in recognition of the City Council's stewardship in matters of public finance, implement the purpose and intent of Section 53232.2 by formally establishing standards for public officials' expense reimbursement. The goal of AB 1234 is two -fold: one, to establish clear limits for expense reimbursement by elected and appointed officials, particularly in the areas of travel and lodging expenses; and, two, implement transparent record keeping practices to permit the public to monitor such expenses. For many years, the City Council has followed a travel and expense reimbursement practice that very substantially complies with AB 1234 mandates such as avoiding the use of first class airfare, taking advantage of government rates for lodging, prohibiting payment of personal and family expenses in conjunction with City travel and requiring documentation of all expenses. Likewise, the City Manager has adopted a travel and expense policy for city staff and other officials that satisfies most of the goals of AB 1234. 55D -1