County controller proposes single 46.5¢/mile reimbursement rate to simplify travel pay

The county controller proposed simplifying mileage reimbursement by moving from two rates to a single flat rate of 46.5¢ per mile for personal-vehicle use. Staff explained the number was derived by averaging IRS moving rates and representative rental-car invoices to approximate the cost of renting and fueling a vehicle for longer trips.

Commissioners asked whether the change would remove an incentive to choose county fleet vehicles when available; staff said departments may still require use of county vehicles where appropriate, and the single rate is an administrative simplification intended to reduce verification work about fleet availability. The controller said the rate will be updated each January in line with IRS changes.