By Madeline Baker, Times Chronicle
After standing without update for over 12 years, the travel and expense policy for staff members, council members, and other appointed officials of the Town of Osoyoos finally received its first official adjustment since early 2010 at the July 19 council meeting.
A bylaw that would repeal the old policy was presented to council in June and received its first and second reading. At that time, Town staff also shared the travel and expense bylaws of other municipalities within the Okanagan-Similkameen region, as well as the Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines.
Those numbers were used by staff to develop a new reimbursement table for council’s consideration, and that table will now replace the outdated policy that council have voted to repeal.
Under the newly approved policy, Town representatives who have to travel for their position can be reimbursed up to $21.35 for breakfast, $21.60 for lunch, and $53 for dinner, which brings Osoyoos much closer to Penticton’s policy and mirrors the rates offered by Oliver.
They will also be eligible for mileage reimbursement of $0.61 per kilometre, the actual cost of commercial travel and accommodation, and up to $50 a night for non-commercial accommodation. All of the new rates include taxes and gratuities.
As stated in the Town of Osoyoos policy manual, all official travel still needs to be authorized by a supervisor or director for town employees, the mayor for council members, or the Chief Administrative Officer. Regular expenses must be authorized by the mayor and international travel expenses must be reported to council.
