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TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED. That is the question. Performance Audit Findings February 2008. Meals served to staff not on travel status Excessive travel expenses such as $70 dinners (for Superintendent and Governing Board members). Performance Audit Findings August 2009.
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TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED That is the question
Performance Audit FindingsFebruary 2008 • Meals served to staff not on travel status • Excessive travel expenses such as $70 dinners (for Superintendent and Governing Board members)
Performance Audit FindingsAugust 2009 • Public Monies should not be used to feed staff
Issues • Staff not on travel status • ADOA per meal amounts exceeded even while Supt and Board were on authorized travel status • Public monies should not be used for meals for staff
When Are Meals Allowable? • Employee is on travel status; new ADOA rules effective January 1, 2008 • Travel distance threshold increased from 35 to 50 mile radius from home/office • Overnight stay required to reimburse expenses (through AP system) • No overnight stay then meal reimbursement aligns with IRS rules
Reimbursement Amounts • There is no authority for meal reimbursement to exceed ADOA maximums. Ever! • Proper documentation of travel required, including receipts and electronically prepared travel claims
But…… Is there any instance where public money can be spent for staff meals?
According to Attorney General Opinion I90-077, staff meals may be provided only while employees are on travel status. Using Public Money for Staff Meals
The 1990 Question May a school district use district funds to purchase food and beverages to be consumed by Board members and administration before a school board meeting held in the district?
AG Opinion1990 We concur that school district monies, including revolving fund monies, may not be used to purchase meals for administrators attending such board meetings because pursuant to A.R.S. §§ 15-342(5) and 38-621 to 38-622, persons are eligible for subsistence only when traveling away from their “ designated post of duty.”
‘Public Monies’ Defined GESD used only monies from gifts and donations, facility rentals, etc. for light meals served in the course of a district sponsored event. Is this still ‘public’ monies?
Clarification Sought….Again District has submitted a request for further clarification to the Attorney General. Response expected by March 12, 2010
Questions Does your district have ‘extenuating’ circumstances? Let’s talk!