Item 4FM E M O R A N D U M
September 15, 2020
To:
From: Subject:
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
Sharen Jackson, Chief Financial Officer
Item 4F Approve Resolution No. 20-038, approving new Travel Policy
Action
Requested: Approval of Resolution No. 20-038, amending the travel policy.
Background
Information: The current Travel Policy was adopted on November 17, 2015. The
proposed policy defines travel as overnight travel, as the current
policy includes one-day travel. The proposed policy sets the policy,
such as which expenses are allowed and disallowed, which there
were no significant changes. The proposed policy removes the
procedures of how City Staff shall implement the policy. This will
allow City Management the ability to update administrative policies
and procedures, such as for technology changes, as they relate to
the Travel Policy.
Financial
Considerations: None.
Strategic Link: B5 – Enhance service delivery through continual process
improvement
F4 – Establish & maintain effective internal controls
Citizen Input/
Board Review: None
Legal Review: None
Alternatives: Approve, amend, or deny resolution.
Supporting
Documents: Resolution 20-038
Travel policy
Staff
Recommendation: Approve resolution 20-038.
RESOLUTION NO. 20-038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, APPROVING A NEW TRAVEL POLICY.
WHEREAS, the City Council of Southlake on November 17, 2015 adopted a Travel Policy;
and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended substantial revisions to same; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the revisions; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, THAT:
SECTION 1.
The City of Southlake hereby adopts the Travel Policy, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and
incorporated by reference herein.
SECTION 2.
The former Travel Policy is repealed.
SECTION 3.
This Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption and it is so Resolved.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THIS, THE __________ DAY OF ______________ 2020.
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
____________________________
Laura Hill
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
Amy Shelley, TRMC
City Secretary
1
City of Southlake
Policies and Procedures
Policy: Travel Policy
Source: City Council
Category: Finance Administration
Effective Date: September 15, 2020
City Council Approval Date: September 15, 2020
Purpose
The purpose of this Travel Policy is to establish a policy for the allowances of travel expenses related
to overnight City business. Authorized travelers should neither gain nor lose personal funds as a
result of City-related business expenses incurred on behalf of the City of Southlake (City).
Applicability
This policy applies to all City employees, volunteers, board appointees and City Council elected
officials acting within an official City capacity (traveler).
For prospective employees, any reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in accordance with this
policy may be reimbursed with the approval of the City Manager or designee.
Responsibility and Authority
In accordance with Section 2.05 of the Home Rule Charter of the City of Southlake, City Council
elected officials are entitled to reimbursement for expenses in the performance of their specific
duties when approved by City Council.
Department Directors shall ensure their department’s adherence to this policy. Department
Directors shall determine and assign the appropriate approvers within their department. Approvers
are responsible for ensuring the travel is necessary for City business, authorization of the travel,
ensuring budgetary requirements are met, and expenses adhere to this policy.
Definitions
Advance – Funds provided to a traveler prior to travel, typically via Travel Card.
Fiduciary Responsibility – The responsibility of every City representative to safeguard the public
trust and the use of taxpayer dollars.
Itemized Receipt – Receipts must include business name, date, items purchased, price of each item
and total. Credit card receipts that do not list the items purchased is not an acceptable receipt.
Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) – Includes the allowable cost of meals and incidental
expenses based upon the rate set by the US General Services Administration (GSA).
2
Privately-Owned Vehicle – Vehicle not owned or leased by the City.
Purchase Card (P-Card) – City-issued bankcard to a specific person used for payment of authorized
City Business expenses.
Travel Card – A temporary purchase card only used for travel-related purchases.
Travel Expense – Ordinary and necessary expenses for traveling away from home on City Business,
including expenses for conferences, seminars, training courses and other business activities related to
the administration of municipal government that includes an overnight stay.
General Requirements
A traveler has a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the public trust and the use of taxpayer dollars
when making travel arrangements. Under the Texas Public Information Act, all expenses, including
travel expenses, are open to public inspection and must be able to sustain the test of public review.
Therefore, travelers and approvers are expected to complete travel documentation while recognizing
they are subject to public scrutiny and the use of public funds should be transparent. It is the
traveler’s responsibility to read and comply with the provisions of this policy. Violations of the
policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal for City employees, and as to all
travelers, curtailment of travel advances and reimbursements.
All travel expenses must be approved and adhere to this policy. The City Manager or designee must
approve all exceptions to this policy. Travel outside the continental United States is considered an
exception to this policy and therefore, requires prior approval by the City Manager or designee.
Other applicable administrative practices and policies, including the reporting of injuries, accidents
or illness, are in force during travel. While on travel, if clarification of, and/or assistance with,
existing policies and procedures is needed, the traveler should contact their supervisor.
Purchase and Travel Cards
If the traveler has been issued a Purchase Card (P-Card), the traveler shall use it for all City business
related expenses while on travel. If the traveler has not been issued a P-Card, the department’s
Purchasing Liaison (PL) shall issue a Travel Card.
Use of the P-Card or Travel Card shall comply with the Purchasing Policy and the Travel Policy.
The traveler shall reimburse the City within five (5) business days from the travel return date for any
non-reimbursable expenses charged to a P-card, including any M&IE over the daily maximum GSA
allowance.
3
Transportation
City Vehicle
The City provides vehicles that are available for City-related travel. The use of a City vehicle is
encouraged, if available. Gasoline, parking, tolls, and emergency repairs to City vehicles are allowable
expenses by the City. When possible, the traveler shall obtain gasoline from City facilities.
Privately-Owned Vehicle (POV)
The City shall reimburse the traveler for POV mileage at the current Internal Revenue Service
mileage rate, for miles traveled on official City business, plus parking and toll fees with itemized
receipts. If the traveler receives a car allowance and chooses to use a POV, mileage reimbursement is
not permitted. If a POV is used, only one (1) traveler per POV, may claim reimbursement for
mileage.
Rental Vehicles
Rental vehicles are an allowable expense, when necessary, on City business. When making travel
arrangements, the traveler shall utilize the most economical manner, which may include the Texas
State Travel contract. The traveler shall choose the most reasonable vehicle type available, based on
the use of the vehicle. While traveling together, travelers shall share vehicles to minimize costs. The
City shall not pay for the use of a rental vehicle to accommodate family members or non-business
associates while on travel with the authorized traveler.
The City’s auto insurance includes rental car coverage, therefore the City shall not reimburse for
collision and comprehensive coverage from the rental car company. Certificates of Coverage can be
obtained from Finance prior to travel. Parking and toll fees of a rental vehicle are allowable expenses
while on City business with itemized receipts.
Public Transportation
The City encourages the use of public transportation when it is the most economical option,
including shuttle services, buses, taxicabs, ride share services, and ferries. The cost of public
transportation is an allowable expense, including any applicable tips, with an itemized receipt.
Air Travel
The traveler shall purchase the most economical available seat at the time of purchase, which may be
through the Texas State Travel contract. If a traveler misses a flight due to unrelated City business,
any expenses incurred shall be at the traveler’s expense. Business class for international air travel is
an allowable expense for City Council elected officials while traveling to a Sister City and conducting
City business.
4
If an airline charges check baggage fees, the City shall allow for the cost of one (1) piece of baggage,
with an itemized receipt. The traveler is responsible for any additional baggage fees charged by the
airline, including additional bag fees for over-weight or oversize baggage fees.
Lodging
Commercial lodging is an allowable expense, when necessary, on City Business. When making travel
arrangements, the traveler shall utilize the most economical manner, which may include the Texas
State Travel contract. The City permits separate rooms for each authorized traveler. Hotel taxes
during travel are an allowable expense.
If reserved accommodations are no longer needed, it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure
the room is canceled in accordance with the cancelation policy of the lodging entity.
Meals and Incidental Expense (M&IE)
The daily maximum allowable M&IE includes the cost of meals and incidental expenses calculated
using the rates set and periodically updated by the US General Services Administration (GSA).
Non-Reimbursable Expenses
For the City to pay for or reimburse, the travel expenses shall relate to City business. The following
expenses, but not limited to, shall not be paid or reimbursed by the City:
Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products;
Passports;
Loss of funds or loss/damage to personal belongings;
Childcare, eldercare, or pet care;
Personal entertainment not related to the conference;
Parking or moving violation fines;
ATM or banking service fees;
Expenses of accompanying spouses, dependents or others; or
Expenses related to vacations or personal trips in conjunction with travel, which are not
related to City Business.
Third-party Organization Reimbursements
At times, travelers may have expenses incurred as an officer, board member or presenter for a
professional organization. The City shall pay allowable expenses. However, an effort to have the
requesting organization reimburse a portion or all of the expenses incurred is encouraged. The
Third-Party Organization shall reimburse the City directly. Until the refund is received, the City shall
record the travel expenses against the requesting department’s operating budget.