Commission approves raising travel per‑diem to $60, requires itemized receipts and disallows county credit cards for meals

County staff reported concerns about rising costs at out‑of‑state trainings and recommended raising the per‑diem to $60 per day, allowing a 15% tip, requiring itemized receipts for reimbursement and prohibiting use of county credit cards for meal purchases. "Please, please, please read you need receipts under this policy," a staff member noted, relaying guidance from the auditor's office.

The proposed change would eliminate advances for meals; employees would submit receipts after travel for reimbursement. Council members and department heads said many trainings do not provide full meals and the higher per‑diem better matches costs in larger cities. The policy also emphasizes choosing closer‑option trainings when available to limit travel costs.

A motion to adopt the new per‑diem policy was made and seconded; the council voted to approve the $60 per‑day rate with the 15% tip allowance and receipt requirement. The county will implement the revised reimbursement rules and communicate the change to departments.