BCC mileage reimbursements

**wrobert** · 07-06-2009, 09:42 PM

Does anyone remember what it is that we pay the BCC members each month for driving around the county? I know that they have to turn in a thing annually showing a typical month's travel, but for the life of me can not remember how much they get.

**SWGB** · 07-06-2009, 09:56 PM

I thought they had county owned and maintained vehicles?

**wrobert** · 07-06-2009, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I thought they had county owned and maintained vehicles?

Nope not the commissioners, they get somewhere between $600 and $1250 a month for going to meetings. I just can not remember what it was, because I know that they have adjusted it downward after a Grand Jury investigated it all years ago.

**WCTA** · 07-06-2009, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by wrobert

Nope not the commissioners, they get somewhere between $600 and $1250 a month for going to meetings. I just can not remember what it was, because I know that they have adjusted it downward after a Grand Jury investigated it all years ago.

In 2007 (last time we pulled the data by a Public Records request) it was $10,776 per year.

I will update the numbers tomorrow.

**WCTA** · 07-07-2009, 08:24 AM

The rate beginning with the new fiscal year October 1, 2009 will be $12,228 per year paid in monthly payments of $1019.00.

**Bob Wells** · 07-07-2009, 08:36 AM

That's a lot of miles at .50 a mile.

**Andy A** · 07-07-2009, 08:38 AM

I have a question. How come they are not paid a rate per mile, like $.l7, instead of a flat rate? They should also have to turn in a travel sheet justifying their travel for the week.
I worked and traveled for the state of Oklahoma in a traveling job and had to keep track of every state mile I traveled. It doesn't take that much effort. I'll tell you one thing. I traveled the whole state and for $1019.00 a month, I could have done a whole lot of travel. I realize we have inflation issues since then but that amount is still a lot of money. One more question comes to mind. Does this amount include per diem (meals and board) or is that seperate? Just my thoughts.

**WCTA** · 07-07-2009, 09:05 AM

It appears that several years ago they established a flat reimbursement (allowed by State Statute). That amount has been adjusted annually based on the change in the IRS mileage reimbursement. They are allow to turn in "a typical months" mileage log one time a year. That is used to establish their annual mileage.

This mileage reimbursement is taxable to them when their "typical months" travel times 12 times the IRS mileage rate is less than their reimbursement.

They received this monthly amount in their payroll checks.

They also turn in and are reimbursed for meals and hotels, etc that meet the IRS guidelines. This amount is handled as an AP check separate from payroll.

**scooterbug44** · 07-07-2009, 09:20 AM

Exactly what BCC personnel are we talking about here?

Since the IRS rate was 50.5 and 58.5 in 2008, that means they are driving 20-24,000 miles in a year- which seems rather excessive.

**wrobert** · 07-07-2009, 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Exactly what BCC personnel are we talking about here?

Since the IRS rate was 50.5 and 58.5 in 2008, that means they are driving 20-24,000 miles in a year- which seems rather excessive.

We are speaking of the part time employed County Commissioners.

**scooterbug44** · 07-07-2009, 11:33 AM

So we pay them a salary, we pay for their office space and office staff, we pay them to attend meetings, we pay for their health care and their family's health care, and we pay them to drive around the county - how much is it total that we are paying them for a part time job?

**SWGB** · 07-07-2009, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

So we pay them a salary, we pay for their office space and office staff, we pay them to attend meetings, we pay for their health care and their family's health care, and we pay them to drive around the county - how much is it total that we are paying them for a part time job?

Brace yourself Effie, it ain't cheap.

**wrobert** · 07-07-2009, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

So we pay them a salary, we pay for their office space and office staff, we pay them to attend meetings, we pay for their health care and their family's health care, and we pay them to drive around the county - how much is it total that we are paying them for a part time job?

That is a good question. We are in the process of compiling those numbers for dollars that flow directly to the elected official, which would be salary, mileage, and benefits. I am also working on a cost per office study, to see how they compare to each other since some of twice the staff as others, some have no rent, some have exorbitant rent. But alas, it all takes time, and I have a day job too.

**WCTA** · 07-08-2009, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by WCTA

It appears that several years ago they established a flat reimbursement (allowed by State Statute). That amount has been adjusted annually based on the change in the IRS mileage reimbursement. They are allow to turn in "a typical months" mileage log one time a year. That is used to establish their annual mileage.

This mileage reimbursement is taxable to them when their "typical months" travel times 12 times the IRS mileage rate is less than their reimbursement.

They received this monthly amount in their payroll checks.

They also turn in and are reimbursed for meals and hotels, etc that meet the IRS guidelines. This amount is handled as an AP check separate from payroll.

Attached are the most recent annual reports from each of the Commissioners. It would appear that some are "past due" in meeting the annual requirement.

Cecelia Jones.pdf

Kenneth Pridgen.pdf

Larry Jones.pdf

Sara Comander.pdf

Scott Brannon.pdf

**Andy A** · 07-07-2009, 09:26 AM

And we wonder why the federal government, state government and county government are all going broke. This, while infintesimal, is a perfect example.

**scooterbug44** · 07-07-2009, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

And we wonder why the federal government, state government and county government are all going broke. This, while infintesimal, is a perfect example.

It isn't so infinitesimal - government is still spending money like drunken sailors and padding their paychecks as usual while we are scrambling to pay for basic services.

Long past time to take away the company credit cards, checkbook, and turn off the gravy spigot!!!

**Bob Wells** · 07-07-2009, 01:28 PM

I'll bet not as much as Ray Sansom was going to make.

**SWGB** · 07-08-2009, 11:54 PM

I call BS on those reports. Name one business in Walton or even this state that will pay you mileage to drive to and from work?

I believe the Jones's are the ones who feel a drive to and from work is payable mileage. Don't they own a business? I'm sure their employees would love to start claiming that pesky morning drive.

**Here4Good** · 07-09-2009, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I call BS on those reports. Name one business in Walton or even this state that will pay you mileage to drive to and from work?

I believe the Jones's are the ones who feel a drive to and from work is payable mileage. Don't they own a business? I'm sure their employees would love to start claiming that pesky morning drive.

Not only do we pay for their commute, we pay for an office closer to their house.

I second that BS call.