(A) Definitions. For purposes 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 village to carry out the responsibilities of village business.
TRAVEL. Any expenditure directly incident to official travel by employees and officers of the village or by wards or charges of the village involving reimbursement to travelers or direct payment to private agencies providing transportation or related services.
(B) The village shall only reimburse the following types of travel, meal and lodging expenses incurred by its employees and officers up to the following maximum allowable amounts:
(1) Mileage. IRS standard mileage rate in effect at the time of travel.
(2) Mode of transportation. Shall be accomplished by the most efficient and least expensive as possible.
(3) Lodging. $200 per night.
(4) Meals. $50 per day.
(5) Alcohol. Alcohol is specifically excluded from reimbursement.
(C) No reimbursement of travel, meal or lodging expenses incurred by a village employee or officer shall be authorized unless the Travel, Meal and Lodging Expenses Reimbursement Form, attached to Ordinance 2017-01 and made a part hereof, has been submitted and approved by the Mayor or his/her designee. All documents and information submitted with the form shall be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, (ILCS Ch. 5, Act 140, §§ 1 et seq.).
(D) Expenses for travel, meals and lodging of:
(1) Any officer or employee that exceeds the maximum reimbursement allowed under the regulations adopted under division (B) above; or
(2) Any member of the corporate authorities of the village may only be approved by roll call vote at an open meeting of the corporate authorities of the village. However, in the event of an emergency or other extraordinary circumstances, the corporate authorities may approve more than the maximum allowable expenses set forth above.
(E) The village shall not reimburse any elected official, employee or officer for any activities which would be considered entertainment. 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.
(Ord. 2017-01, passed 2-1-17; Am. Ord. 2023-07, passed 2-1-23)