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ATTACHMENT 1
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADM INISTRATION COMM ITTEE MINUTES 10/27/03
CITY OF DOVER
(Presented to City Council on 11/24/2003)
City Clerk’s Office Note: For reference purposes, the proposed amendments
recommended by the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee during
their meeting of October 27, 2003 are indicated by strikeout for deletions and bold
italics for additions.
CITYWIDE TRAVEL POLICY
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines under which City of Dover employees, public
officials, and appointees will be reimbursed for authorized travel expenses incurred in the conduct
of business for the City of Dover, hereinafter referred to as “City”. In addition to the guidelines,
specific procedures with regard to incurring and reporting travel expenses are provided.
2. Scope
This policy shall apply to employees of the City of Dover, elected officials, boards, commissions and
others, who are engaged in authorized travel and who expend City funds for travel purposes. The
Mayor and Members of City Council are not required to submit a Travel Authorization and
Completion Form, but are required to follow the financial and budget requirements of this policy.
While this policy does not cover every possible situation, it establishes adequate guidelines for
employees and officials to make appropriate and consistent judgments regarding the expenditure of
City funds for reimbursable expenses.
It remains the responsibility of city management to control and approve travel-related expenditures.
The City Manager and Finance Director may impose more stringent rules when deemed appropriate
or necessary.
The City Council and the Finance Department will periodically (at least annually) review the
implementation of this Policy and will provide policy interpretations and assistance to ensure
effective and efficient implementation. Any exceptions will be subject to approval by the Council
and Finance Department. Exceptions will only be made in particular cases where adequate
justification is presented. However, in the interest of achieving maximum uniformity, exceptions will
be permitted only in highly unusual circumstances. The City Council and Finance Director may also,
on a case-by case basis, approve reimbursements exceeding the guideline amounts referenced in this
policy. In any such instance, a detailed explanation and substantiation (a receipt) is required.
Enforcement of the travel policy will be the responsibility of the Finance Director.
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3. Responsibility
a. Employee, Public Official, or Appointee
• Comply with all provisions of this policy.
• Obtain the necessary approvals in advance for overnight travel and out-of-state use of
City vehicles. Provide a copy of the approval with the travel prepayment made by
direct voucher.
• All expenses incurred in the course of City business are to be in accordance with the
City’s Administrative Policies and Rules of Ethics and must be paid solely from
appropriated funds.
• Comply with the ten (10) working-day rule.
b. Department Manager/City Manager/Council Designee
• Ensure compliance with this policy.
• Review and approve each of their employees/official=s travel approval requests and
reimbursable expenses.
• Ensure sufficient funds are available for all anticipated expenses.
c. Signatures on the Travel Expense Report certify that the expenses were incurred by the
employee/official requesting reimbursement for official City business, are reimbursable in
accordance with this policy, and have not been reimbursed except as indicated on this
form.
Required signatures for expenses are:
• Employee
• Supervisor
• Manager or Council Designee
B. TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
All out-of-state travel that extends beyond one day shall be approved by the City Manager or Council
Designee. All requests shall be made on the "Travel Authorization and Completion Form” (City of
Dover - Form 047). A copy of the conference or meeting program shall be attached to the form. The
authorization form should be submitted to the manager in a reasonable amount of time prior to the
traveling day.
The Department Manager, City Manager, or Council designee may impose specific requirements as
to the time the authorization form must be submitted prior to travel.
Employees and Officials traveling on official City business should be aware that the approval
is for travel only, and is not a blanket approval of the expenses incurred.
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C. AUTHORIZED TRAVEL AGENT
1. Definition
The authorized travel agent is identified as Advantage Travel. All travel arrangements must be made
through the authorized travel agent. The authorized travel agent will be determined through a
competitive bid process by the Finance Director. When it is determined to be more economically
feasible, the Finance Director may approve an alternative travel agency or the employee or
official may make travel arrangements directly.
D. TRANSPORTATION: COMMON CARRIER
1. General
All trips requiring the use of common carrier must be pre-approved by the appropriate approval
authority.
The mode of travel must be justified on the basis of the most economical use of time of the personnel
involved, the cost of optional travel modes, and the requirements of the trip.
All common carrier reservations must be made through the authorized travel agent under contract
with the City of Dover within the guidelines of this policy. (Tickets purchased from any other
sources will not be reimbursed.) consistent with reasonable business travel planning, common
carrier will be booked at the lowest available fare. The authorized travel agent is required to offer
the traveler the lowest available fare. If the lowest available fare is turned down by the traveler, the
traveler's explanation for the denial is to be provided with the travel authorization request.
Travelers should be advised to make travel reservations as far in advance as possible to attain the
lowest fares, including non-refundable tickets. Travelers may not specify particular airlines or other
carriers to accumulate mileage on promotional plans such as frequent flyer programs.
In order to take advantage of special discount rates (supersaver fares, etc.), payments to the
authorized travel agent or reimbursement to an employee may be made prior to a trip being taken
under the following conditions:
a. Documentation of the substantial savings that will accrue to the City (i.e., supersaver
discounts).
b. Employee's proof of payment on a statement from the travel agency or airline, other than
credit card receipts.
Most airlines will not give refunds or partial refunds for supersaver airfares.
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It is encouraged to examine the advantage of fares requiring early trip departure or delayed return.
However, it is important to consider the additional cost of meals and lodging for the required extra
day(s) stay when comparing cost.
2. Air Travel
a. Accommodations - When commercial airlines are used as a mode of travel,
accommodations shall be coach/economy class unless some other class accommodations
are more economical.
b. Routing of Travel - All travel will be by the most economical and direct routes.
In the event that a person travels by an indirect route for personal convenience, the extra
expense shall be the responsibility of the individual. Reimbursement for expenses shall be
based only on the cost of the most economical and direct route.
c. Conference Airfare Arrangements
When attending a conference, always check conference materials to see if special
airline discounts are offered. When a special airline discount rate is offered and
conferees are instructed to go directly to an airline or a specific travel agency to obtain
the discount fare, all fare and file number information should be given to the
authorized travel agency. The travel agent will then attempt to obtain the conference
rate, government rate or lower rate, for the traveler. (See Section E.3. for Conference
Lodging Arrangements) If a lower fare is not available, the conferees may make their
travel arrangements directly utilizing the conference instructions.
3. Rail Travel
a. Accommodations
When it has been determined that rail travel is the most appropriate mode of
transportation, the most economical class accommodations shall be utilized.
When practical, rail travel should be arranged through the authorized travel agent.
E. TRANSPORTATION: PASSENGER VEHICLES
1. City-Owned Vehicles
City-owned vehicles should be utilized for out-of-state travel when such use is the most practical and
economical mode of transportation, including the cost of tolls, fuel and parking.
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2. Privately-Owned Vehicles
a. The use of privately owned vehicles for out-of-City travel shall require prior approval of
the appropriate department manager with approval authority. Reimbursement of private
vehicle expenses shall be at the Standard Mileage Rate as set by the federal government
for actual and necessary miles traveled. Beginning and ending odometer readings are
required for the reimbursement for mileage.
In considering approval, the approval authority shall take into consideration the cost
of alternative modes of travel and the cost of meals and lodging for the additional
travel/transit days.
b. When two or more employees travel in a privately owned vehicle, only one mileage
reimbursement shall be allowed.
3. Rental Cars
a. General
The use of a rental car when traveling out of state must be justified as an economical
need and not as a matter of personal convenience. All rentals should be at the most
economical rate per day including government rates or special rate agreements through
the authorized travel agent or state contract. When traveling in groups, sharing of
cars, when practical, should be done to minimize costs. The city will not pay for the
use of a rental car to accommodate family members or non-business associates
traveling with the employee, public official, or appointee.
b. Vehicle Size
Whenever possible, compact cars shall be rented or reserved. However, if a larger size
vehicle is more economical or more than two city travelers are traveling together the
larger vehicle may be appropriate. Any representative of the City requesting an
upgrade of the size of a rented vehicle shall provide a written explanation of their
reasons. A receipt will also be required.
c. Insurance
(1) The optional insurance coverage offered by the car rental agency shall be
declined when the traveler charges the rental car. The traveler will
automatically receive primary coverage under the City blanket insurance
policy for travel. When insurance is declined, the policy covers collision
damage, theft, fire and vandalism. Reimbursements for additional or optional
insurance coverage will not be allowed.
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(2) Other. Travelers not covered under the blanket insurance policy may be
covered by their personal automobile insurance policy or other personal credit
cards. Travelers should check their automobile policy and credit card policy
for business travel coverage and accept or decline additional coverage
accordingly. Reimbursement for additional or optional insurance coverage
will not be allowed without prior approval from the department approval
authority.
d. Refueling Before Return
To avoid a refueling surcharge, all rental cars shall be refueled before returning the
vehicle to the rental company. Any surcharges billed to the employee, public official,
appointee, or City shall be explained in the reimbursement request.
e. Reservations
Car rental reservations shall be made through the authorized travel agent whenever
possible.
F. LODGING
1. General
City travelers are expected to seek accommodations that are comfortable, convenient, meet business
and personal needs and offer good value.
2. Accommodations
a. Lodging accommodations for reasonably priced single occupancy rooms are
reimbursable when the traveler is away from home overnight due to official travel.
b. Accommodations shared with family members or others not on official City business
are reimbursable at the single occupancy rate only.
c. Accommodations shared with other state travelers should be billed and reimbursed to
one traveler. When required, reimbursements to more than one traveler shall be based
on a pro rata share as reported on each reimbursement request.
d. City travelers may elect to use their personal campers or recreation vehicles rather
than staying in a hotel/motel. When prior approval is received from the appropriate
department approval authority, the traveler will be reimbursed for actual costs, not to
exceed the cost of hotel lodging. The employee, public official, and/or appointee shall
provide receipts other than credit card receipts for reimbursement.
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3. Conference Lodging Arrangements
Hotel reservations should be made through the authorized travel agent whenever possible. When
hotel rooms are blocked for a conference, seminar, etc., and a special discounted conference hotel
rate provided, the employee/official should inform the authorized travel agent, who will attempt to
obtain the conference rate, government rate or lower rate, for the employee/official. If a lower rate
is not available, the conferees should make their lodging arrangements directly utilizing the
conference instructions.
4. Occupancy Tax
The City is exempt from the tax on occupancy of hotel, motel and tourist home rooms within
Delaware only. When instate overnight accommodations are necessary, the employee should be
provided with a copy of the Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate (see Exhibit C) to be presented
to the lodging facility. Tax on occupancy of hotels in other states must be paid.
G. MEAL ALLOWANCES
1. General
The City will pay for or reimburse an employee/official for the necessary and reasonable cost of
meals incurred during out of state travel requiring overnight lodging.
Meal costs incurred over and above those provided as part of a registration fee are not reimbursable
unless justified as a special circumstance (e.g. special meeting or diet restrictions).
There will not be any reimbursement for the meals when the meals are provided by the host
organization and when meals are provided as part of the airfare.
Exceptions are to be approved by the City Manager and Finance Director.
This policy will be instituted through the use of one of two different plans for each travel period:
Plan A B Per Diem/No Receipts
This Plan provides employees with a fixed daily or partial day per meal allowance and requires no
receipts to be submitted. Plan A daily and Per meal allowances are:
Daily $45
Breakfast 10
Lunch 10
Dinner 25
Plan B B Actual Expense/Receipts Required
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This Plan provides for the payment of or reimbursement of actual, reasonable meal expenses which
are substantiated with receipts.
Plan B daily and per meal allowances are:
Daily $55
Breakfast 10
Lunch 15
Dinner 30
2. Choice of Meal Plan
a. Department management may choose to operate under one or both of the plans.
b. Only one plan may be used per trip.
3 2. Meal Allowance Adjustments
Only per diem rates as prescribed by the Federal Government for official travel will be provided
for meal allowance (Exhibit A).
a. Department management may reduce daily and per meal allowances in both plans for
department policy purposes.
b. The Finance Director may approve claims for expenses exceeding the allowances in Plan B on
a case-by-case basis when the employee, public official, or appointee travel to the following “high
cost” locations:
New York City Boston Chicago
Los Angeles Washington DC San Francisco
Atlanta New Orleans State of Alaska
State of Hawaii
4 3. Application of Daily or Per Meal Allowances
a. The daily allowance applies to out-of-state travel lasting two days or more and
requiring overnight lodging. The per meal allowances do not apply, only the daily
allowance.
b. The per meal allowances apply to the departure and return (partial) days according to
the following guidelines:
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(1) Departure means leaving from home or normal work location; and, return
means arriving back to home or normal work location.
(2) If the time of departure is after 6:00 a.m., the employee is entitled to lunch
and dinner.
(3) If the time of departure is after 2:00 p.m., the employee is entitled to dinner.
(4) If the time of return is prior to 10:00 a.m., the employee is entitled to
breakfast.
(5) If the time of return is prior to 7:00 p.m., the employee is entitled to breakfast
and lunch.
(6) If the departure time is prior to 6:00 a.m., or the return time is after 7:00 p.m.,
the daily allowance will apply.
5. Day Trips, In-state Travel and Before or After Hours
The meal allowance for day trips out of the City, not requiring overnight lodging. Assignments
requiring overnight lodging may be approved as long as the amount does not exceed the allowances
established in Plan A and Plan B. The meal allowance for working before or after hours as a general
rule are not encouraged, but may be approved by the Finance Director on a case-by-case basis as long
as the amount does not exceed the allowances established in Plan A and Plan B.
H. CASH ADVANCES
Travel advance checks will not be issued to employees, public officials, or appointees in the form
of general disbursement checks. Employees, public officials, and appointees will be reimbursed for
travel related expenses after the trip or event has been completed.
Employees, public officials, and appointees shall use the City purchase order when making travel
arrangements when time permits. If there is a time constraint in processing a purchase order, a
request for permitted use of the City credit card, accompanied by the proper documentation, will be
sent to the Finance Department. Employees and Officials are also encouraged to use a personal
credit card and request reimbursement when they return. The City will pay in advance the following
costs:
a. Conference/Training registration fees. Such payment will be made payable and
mailed directly to the organization. This will be done through a purchase order
submitted by the department after the trip is approved. A copy of the registration form
describing the registration fees must be attached to the purchase order.
b. Airfare. The check will be made payable and mailed to the travel agency upon
submission of a purchase order.
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c. Lodging. The check will be made payable to the motel and will be given to the person
for whom the lodging arrangements are made. The employee must provide the rates
and information pertaining to applicable taxes in advance and submit a purchase order
for the same.
d. Meal allowance.
e. Ground transportation to and from hotel, and airport parking when costs have been
pre-determined by the Finance Director.
I. TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
1. General
A Travel Expense Report (City of Dover B Form 030) is due to Accounts Payable within ten (10)
working days after travel or an expense is incurred. (Ten working-day rule)
a. Timely reimbursement can be assured only if an accurate, properly substantiated
Travel Expense Report is received in Accounts Payable ten (10) working days after
completion of the trip.
b. Failure to submit timely Travel Expense Reports after the completion of a trip will
result in administrative action, such as notification to the department manager and
denial of future travel requests.
Travel Expense Reports for local travel and related expenses are to be submitted at least monthly.
In no case shall a reimbursement be made to an employee for travel or expenses incurred in excess
of 90 days.
Note: This section pertains to only those travel expenses paid by the traveler; not to travel expenses
directly billed to/paid by the City.
2. Receipt Requirements and Other Reimbursement Criteria
a. Tickets booked on common carriers (airline, rail or bus) require original copy of the
authorized travel agent paid invoice.
b. Hotel/motel bills shall be the original copy of hotel/motel billing marked paid, or paid
invoice from authorized travel agent if lodging was billed through the agency.
c. Ground transportation, including airport shuttle, taxi or public transit requires a receipt
if over $10.
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d. Car rental reimbursements require paid invoice from the rental company or authorized
travel agent if billed through agency.
e. Meals under Plan A (per diem) do not require receipts and are not reimbursable above
the maximum daily/partial day per meal allowance.
Tips in excess of 15% will not be reimbursed.
When more than one City employee, public official, or appointee’s meals are
being reimbursed, the number and name of the individuals are to be submitted on
a schedule itemizing the cost of each individual's meal and a receipt from the
dining facility attached.
f. Hotel/motel related expenses should be documented identifying the date and the cost
of each category with the following requirements:
(1) Out-of-pocket costs for incidental items such as baggage handling and maid
service are reimbursable. as follows: (maximum allowable) Only per diem
rates as prescribed by the Federal Government for official travel will be
provided for incidental items (Exhibit A). Examples of these items are as
follows:
• Porter(P), Doorman (DM) - $1.00 on arrival, $1.00 at departure
• Bellhop (BH), Valet Parking Attendant (VP) - $1.00 per bag on
arrival, $1.00 per bag at departure, not to exceed $4.00.
• Sky Cap (SC) - $1.00 per bag not to exceed $2.00
• Taxi (TD) - $2 or 15% of cab fare, whichever is the lowest
• Shuttle Driver (SD) - $1.00 per occurrence
• Maid Service (MS) - $1.00 per day
• All other tips and gratuities not addressed in this policy are discretionary and are
not reimbursable.
(2) City-business related telephone calls are reimbursable as incurred and require
a receipt from the telephone service provider or included on the hotel/motel
billing invoice.
g. Lodging at campgrounds using traveler’s camper or recreational vehicle is
reimbursable at the actual cost, not to exceed the equivalent cost of hotel/motel
lodging. Receipt is required.
h. Other Categories
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Reimbursement for the following categories should be submitted on a schedule
identifying the date, the cost and the category:
Hotel/airport parking and tolls for interstates, turnpike, bridges and/or ferries.
Expenses exceeding $10 per category per use shall require a receipt.
i. Gasoline and/or Other Supplies
Need for emergency repairs incidental to using a City-owned vehicle shall require
a cash receipt or credit card receipt.
j. Reimbursements for travel expenses incurred without required receipts, as outlined,
is strictly prohibited. A "no receipt - no reimbursement" policy applies. An affidavit
for lost, stolen, etc. receipts is generally acceptable with approval by the Finance
Director. (City of Dover B Form 061).
k. Internet Access Costs for city business.
3. Non- Reimbursable Expenses
The City shall not reimburse expenses for the following:
a. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited.
b. In-room movies or pay television.
c. Theater tickets or nightclub entertainment.
d. Laundry.
e. Babysitting.
f. Related expenses of spouse, children and other persons accompanying the
authorized employee/official.
g. Pleasure, historic or other tour related expenses. Expenses for business related
tours would be reimbursed.
h. Donations and gifts made while at training, conference, or meeting.
i. Loss or damage of personal items.
j. Meals for other conference attendees.
k. Purchase of personal items.
l. Any parking or moving violation fines.
m. Any personal or pleasure travel while on City business.
J. CHARTER AND CODE OF CONDUCT
All City of Dover policies are to subject to the City of Dover Charter Part 1, Subpart A, Article II,
Section 12 “Compensation and expenses - Mayor and Council and other elected or appointed
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officials”, whereas, “Members of the council, mayor and other elected or appointed officials shall
receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred when on official business as
prescribed by city ordinance or policy” and; Part II Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article 1,
Division 4 “Code of Conduct”, which is “applicable to all elected and appointed officials and to all
employees of the City of Dover.”
K. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE - DEFINITION OF PUBLIC OFFICIAL
Generally, if there is any provision in a public law which authorizes the employment of the
individual, and the individual is hired or elected under this authority, the individual is considered an
employee of the State or political subdivision to which the provision applies.
The following factors indicate that an office is a Apublic office@.
1. The office was created by the constitution or through legislation, or by a municipality
or other body with authority conferred by the legislature.
2. The office was delegated a portion of the powers of the government body.
3. The powers conferred and the duties to be discharged are defined either directly or
indirectly law or through legislative authority.
4. The duties are being performed independently and without control of a superior power
other than the law.
5. The office has some permanency and continuity, and the officer takes an official oath.
Examples of public officers are: the president and vice president; a governor or mayor; the
secretary of state; a member of a legislative body, such as a state legislature, county
commission, city council, school board, a judge; a justice of the peace; and members of
advisory boards and committees.
L. REVIEW & REVISION
The City of Dover Travel Policy will be reviewed every three years by the City Council, City
Manager, Finance Director, and City Clerk.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A - General Service Administration Regulations - Per Diem Rates Travel Rates for
Continental United States
Exhibit B - City of Dover Exemption Certificate Form
ADOPTED:
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Exhibit B - Travel Policy
CITY OF DOVER
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
TAX ON OCCUPANCY OF HOTEL AND MOTEL AND TOUR IST HOME ROOMS
In accordance with Internal Revenue Code Section 5253(I), no tax shall be imposed under section
4251 upon any payment received for services or facilities furnished to the government of any State,
or any political subdivision thereof, or the District of Columbia.
This Part to be Completed by the Operator
Name of Hotel, Motel, or Tourist Home Fed. EI or SS number
Address City State Zip Code
This Part to be Completed by the Occupant
This is to certify that I, the undersigned, am a representative of the City of Dover, Delaware; that the
charges for the occupancy at the above establishment on the dates set forth below has been or will
be paid for by the City of Dover, a government unit; and that such charges are incurred in the
performance of my official duties as a representative or employee of the governmental unit.
Name (Please type or print) Signature
City of Dover 51-6000092
Governmental Unit Tax I.D. # Title
P.O. Box 475 Dover DE 19903-0475
Address City State Zip Code
Date(s) of Occupancy
If additional information is needed, please contact the City of Dover Finance Director at
(302) 736-7018.
NOTE: A separate Exemption Certificate is required for each occupancy and for each representative
or employee.
THIS EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE IS TO BE RETAINED BY THE OPERATORS OF
HOTELS, MOTELS, AND TOURIST HOMES AS EVIDENCE OF EXEMPT OCCUPANCY.
/jg
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