back up for 10-01-2002 Special Called Regular Meeting

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I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I MEALS For those employees below the Executive Level, as well as all Boards and Commissions traveling on official City business, a "per diem allowance" is in effect for meals. For the purpose of travel, Executive Level is defined by the City Manager. A "per diem allowance" is a payment made for meals and incidental expenses based on the locality of travel. The daily allowance paid is based on the amount the IRS approves each year as a tax-free allowance for travel. The IRS updates these allowances on a yearly basis and the Finance Department will provide new rates to each department as soon as they are available. "Incidental expenses" include, but are not limited to: fees and tips for services, such as waiters and baggage handlers. Employees are required to adhere to the per diem limit which includes tips. When using this flat rate for meals purchased while traveling ovemight, employees will nm need to return meal receipts to the Finance Department. For partial days away from home, the federal per diem allowance must be prorated. Under IRS regulations one-third of the applicable rate is used for each meal of the day during which the employee is traveling away from home. To qualify for a full day per diem, employees must leave their residence as established by IRS policies. Those individuals at the Executive Level are allowed to choose between the Per Diem Allowance and the reimbursing method for meals. If the reimbursing method is selected, meals will be reimbursed at actual costs. No reimbursement will be made for the cost of alcoholic beverages. Tips and/or gratuity should be limited to 15% of the total food bill. Receipts are required. ~ 3