(A) For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ENTERTAINMENT. Includes, but is not limited to, shows, amusements, theaters, circuses, sporting events, or any other place of public or private entertainment or amusement, unless ancillary to the purpose of the program or event.
PUBLIC BUSINESS. Expenses incurred in the performance of a public purpose which is required or useful for the benefit of the city to carry out the responsibilities of city business.
TRAVEL. Any expenditure directly incident to official travel by employees and officers of the city or by wards or charges of the city involving reimbursement to travelers or direct payment to private agencies providing transportation or related services.
(B) The city shall only reimburse travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred by its Alderpersons and Mayor for public business by roll-call vote at an open meeting of the City Council.
(C) The city shall only reimburse travel, meal, and lodging expenses incurred by its employees and officers (other than Alderpersons and Mayor) for public business up to a maximum of $250 per individual per year. Expenses for travel, meals, and lodging of exceeding $250 per individual per year may only be approved by roll-call vote at an open meeting of the City Council.
(D) (1) No reimbursement of travel, meal, or lodging expenses incurred shall be authorized unless the “Travel, Meal, and Lodging Expense Reimbursement Request Form” in Addendum “C” of the provisions herein codified, made a part hereof by reference, has been submitted. Travel, meal, and lodging expenses for employees and officials other than Alderpersons or the Mayor shall be pre-approved by the Mayor before the expense is incurred.
(2) All documents and information submitted with the form shall be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.).
(E) (1) The city shall not reimburse any elected official, employee, or officer for any activities which would be considered entertainment.
(2) Activities which would otherwise be considered entertainment, but which are excluded from the prohibition on reimbursement due to being ancillary to the purpose of the program or event, may be reimbursed in accordance with the provisions of this section. Alcohol shall be excluded from reimbursement.
(F) Meal expense reimbursement shall be calculated using the per diem rates on www.gsa.gov.
(G) The Mayor shall have authority and discretion to approve or deny requests for travel, meal, and lodging expense reimbursement for employees and officers, other than Alderpersons or the Mayor, up to the amount allowed in division (B) above.
(Prior Code, § 1-2-31)
Statutory reference:
Related provisions, see 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.