(A) The use of city sponsored credit cards is specifically authorized for:
(1) Purchases of transportation by common carrier in connection with authorized travel on official city business;
(2) Reservations for lodging, facilities, or rental cars in connection with authorized travel on official city business; and
(3) Purchases necessary for the use of vehicles owned by the city.
(B) Per diem allowances for meals and incidental travel expenses may be advanced to mitigate the financial burden placed on public officers or employees required to travel on official city business.
(C) All travel on official city business shall be approved in advance of the travel. Public funds shall not be expended to reimburse any public officer or employee for expenses for out-of-state travel without written authorization from the Mayor or his authorized representative. This written authorization shall not be required of the Mayor, City Councilors or members of the City Council staff.
(D) The Mayor shall promulgate regulations consistent with those issued by the Internal Revenue Service establishing the amount of and method of payment of per diem and mileage for authorized travel and transportation expenses incurred in conducting official city business. The required accounting for all travel and transportation expenses shall be in compliance with city travel regulations and shall be accompanied by documentation or receipts acceptable to the city.
(E) Unless provided to the contrary in the city travel regulations, the per diem and mileage, or per diem and cost of tickets for common carriers, paid to salaried public officers or employees is in lieu of actual expenses for transportation, lodging, and subsistence. When city travel regulations permit the payment of actual expenses for lodging, meals or incidental travel expenses, no per diem shall be allowable or paid.
('74 Code, § 2-8-6) (Ord. 32-1975; Am. Ord. 46-1978; Am. Ord. 10-2005)