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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem I5 I5 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY of MONROE Mayor James K.Scholl,District 3 The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Lincoln,District 2 Craig Cates,District 1 David Rice,District 4 Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5 Board of County Commissioners Meeting June 18, 2025 Agenda Item Number: I5 2023-4137 BULK ITEM: Yes DEPARTMENT: Administration TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Lindsey Ballard n/a AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of a resolution authorizing the Clerk to pay purchasing card vendor $529 in hotel expenses incurred by the County Airport Department's Marketing and Communications Manager Katie Atkins for April 26 -28, 2024. ITEM BACKGROUND: Katie Atkins requested and received approval for a hotel stay to assist with the Marathon 7Mile Offshore Grand Prix boat races sponsored by the Airport. The clerks office hasn't approved payment because of a rule in Florida Administrative Code 69I-42.006(7). Per Diem and Subsistence Allowance that disallows hotel accommodations to be paid for by government if the employee lives within 50 miles of the location of the event. Her hotel bill for 2 nights was $529.00. F.A.C. 69I-42.006(7)reads: "A traveler may not claim per diem or reimbursement for lodging for overnight travel within 50 miles of his headquarters or residence, unless the circumstances necessitating such overnight travel are fully explained by the traveler and approved by the agency head. Criteria for approval shall include late night or early morning job responsibilities and excessive travel time because of traffic conditions." The rule allows for payment of overnight lodging expenses if the travel is fully explained and approved by the agency head. Ms. Atkins lives in Tavernier and had to be in Marathon in the early morning to set up the Airport Department's promotional booth prior to the start of the Marathon boat races. The proposed resolution contains findings of fact by the Board that determines that this travel was authorized given the circumstances and directs the Clerk to pay the Purchasing Card vendor for this expense. 1808 Unfortunately, that rule was not included in the County Administrative Instructions or the Clerks travel guidelines. Therefore, neither the employee nor the Department head knew of this regulation. Following is a list of actions and rules related to this expense. Date: Item August 1, 2022 Clerk guidelines were updated August 14, 2022 Applicable Admin Instruction Requested: Wednesday,April 9, 2024 @11:04am Director Requested approval of travel Approved: Wednesday,April 9,2024 @12:42pm April 26-28, 2024 Travel dates and times May 17, 2024 @1:45pm Clerk's denial of travel(50-mile radius) June 13, 2024 Clerk's guidelines were updated Requested: Monday, June 24, 2024 @1:59pm County Administrator approval of travel Approved: Monday,June 24,2024 @2:35pm Staff is currently rewriting the travel Administrative Instructions to be all inclusive of all rules related to travel. The Clerk has indicated they will pay for this expense with approval by the Board of County Commission. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: n/a INSURANCE REQUIRED: No CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: n/a STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval DOCUMENTATION: Resolution authorizing_pay ent_of hotel_expense_of Katie_Atkins.docx 69I-42.006.pdf 1. B0CCTravelGuidelinesAug2022.pdf 2. 4716.6 -Purchase, Travel, Pay and Personnel Action Auth.pdf 3. RE Hotel Boat Races.pdf 1809 4. 2024-Schedules-2024-Marathon-Schedule-I.pdf 5. RE Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins.pdf 6. BOCCTravelGuidelinesJun2024 Highlighted.pdf FINANCIAL IMPACT: $529.00 in airport funds. 1810 MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION NO. -2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA A U T H O R I Z I N G T H E PAYMENT OF $ 529 . 00 IN HOTEL EXPENSES INCURRED BY COUNTY AIRPORT MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER KATIE ATKINS FROM APRIL 26 THROUGH APRIL 28 , 2024 TO SET UP THE AIRPORT DEPARTMENT ' S PROMOTIONAL BOOTH AT THE MARATHON BOAT RACES , FINDING THAT STAY AT A HOTEL IN MARATHON DESPITE LIVING WITHIN 50 MILES OF THE HOTEL WAS JUSTIFIED ; FINDING THAT PAYMENT OF THIS EXPENSE FULFILLS A PUBLIC PURPOSE ; AND DIRECTING THE CLERK TO PAY THE PURCHASING CARD VENDOR FIRST HORIZON BANK FOR THAT AMOUNT . WHEREAS, the Florida Legislature has established a uniform regulation for payment of travel expenditures incurred by government employees throughout the state which are codified at F.S. 112.061 ; and WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Management Services promulgated a rule, codified at F.A.C. 691-42.006(7), which implements F.S. 112.061 but also prohibits the payment of per diem or reimbursement for lodging for overnight travel where the hotel is located less than 50 miles from a government employee's home or residence, unless the circumstances necessitating the travel are fully explained by the traveler and approved by the agency head; and WHEREAS, F.A.C. 691-42.006(7) established criteria for approval to include "late night or early morning job responsibilities and excessive travel time because of traffic conditions"; and WHEREAS, to date, the Clerk has declined to pay the expense due to "the 50-mile rule" set forth in F.A.C. 691-42.006(7); and WHEREAS, the Board finds that Ms. Atkins has fully explained the circumstances necessitating staying in Marathon due to having to set up the Airport Department's promotional booth in the early morning hours prior to the i 1811 Marathon Boat races, given potential traffic delays on U.S. 1 , the only road between Ms. Atkins home in Tavernier and the event site squarely meet the criteria for approving overnight travel under F.A.C. 691-42.006(7); and WHEREAS, the Board finds that payment of the $529.00 to the Purchasing Card Vendor First Horizon Bank serves a public and County purpose; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the County Commission to direct the Clerk to pay the purchasing card vendor $529.00 for the overnight lodging expense incurred by Katie Atkins in April of 2024. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFMONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA: 1. That the above-stated recitations are incorporated as factual findings of the Board. 2. That the Clerk is authorized and directed to pay the Purchasing Card Vendor First Horizon Bank $529.00 for Ms. Atkins lodging expenses that were incurred from April 26th through April 28th in 2024. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting held on the 181h day of June, 2025 in Key Largo, Florida. Mayor James K. Scholl Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln Commissioner Craig Cates Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein Commissioner David Rice BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY: Mayor James K. Scholl (SEAL) ATTEST: KEVIN MADOK, CLERK By: As Deputy Clerk 2 1812 Approved as to form and legal sufficiency Robert B. Shillinger, Monroe County Attorney 3 1813 69I-42.006 Per Diem and Subsistence Allowance. (1)Travelers(Class A)who desire to claim reimbursement pursuant to section 112.061(6)(a)2.,F.S. (actual lodging at the single occupancy rate plus meal allowances), for some periods and pursuant to section 112.061(6)(a)l., F.S. (per diem), for other periods while on the same trip may only change methods on a travel day basis(midnight to midnight). (2)For Class A travel, lodging expenses shall be calculated on a travel day basis beginning on the day of departure,regardless of when such expenses are actually paid. (3)No traveler shall be reimbursed for more than one lodging expense during any travel day unless fully justified by the traveler in writing. (4)A traveler claiming less than the full meal allowance or per diem authorized by section 112.061(6),F.S., shall include on his travel voucher a statement that he understands that he is entitled to the full meal allowance provided by law but has voluntarily chosen to claim a lesser amount. (5) Lodging expenses shall qualify for reimbursement pursuant to section 112.061(6)(a)2., F.S., only if they are incurred at a duly established commercial lodging facility and are substantiated by itemized paid receipts or bills therefor. (6)Rates for foreign travel shall not begin until the date and time of arrival in the foreign country from the United States. Rates for foreign travel shall terminate on the date and time of departure from the foreign country to the United States. Rates for foreign travel shall not be claimed for any quarter in which meal allowances or per diem is claimed. When a traveler goes from one foreign geographic location to another within the same quarterly period,reimbursement shall be calculated at the applicable rate where the majority of the quarter was spent regardless of which area has a higher reimbursement rate. (7)A traveler may not claim per diem or reimbursement for lodging for overnight travel within 50 miles of his headquarters or residence, unless the circumstances necessitating such overnight travel are fully explained by the traveler and approved by the agency head. Criteria for approval shall include late night or early morning job responsibilities and excessive travel time because of traffic conditions. (8)The Class C meal allowance authorized by section 112.061(6)(b),F.S.,is defined as taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service and is subject to withholding of income and social security taxes.It is required to be reported as wages on the traveler's W-2 form. Class C meal allowances must be shown on the traveler's travel voucher,deducted from the total claimed and submitted to the Bureau of State Payrolls for payment through the payroll system. Rulemaking Authority 17.075(1), 17.29, 112.06](9)FS.Law Implemented 17.075, 112.061, 215.42 FS.History—New 3-5-90,Amended 1-8-95, 6-8- 97, 1-7-98,Formerly 3A-42.006. 1814 -L-t. c,,I couRr, e°A Kevin Madok, CPA �o ........ � Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller— Monroe County, Florida �Ro.co.NSy Monroe County TRAVEL GUIDELINES Prepared By: Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller Office Last Update: August 1, 2022 Questions: Aneta Donnelly, Accounts Payable Supervisor Phone - 305.292.3417 Email -. .. eH ..o ii.i n.. ......° .. ..!!:: ..r!! ..!r q. .:::::. ..�. .!r. ..w. .q..!!::L.. Overview The information in this brochure summarizes the travel guidelines for the officers, employees and other authorized persons traveling on behalf of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). These guidelines are based on applicable state statutes (s. 112.061, F.S.), Monroe County ordinances (Ch. 2,Art. III, Div. 3), and Section 15 of the Monroe County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual which states travel shall be the most economical and practicable method available. These guidelines should not be considered all-inclusive. The Clerk's Finance Department reserves the right to review reimbursement requests on an individual basis. To receive reimbursement, a county employee must log into Monroe County's Workday system and complete an on-line expense report.The employee will be required to submit a scanned copy of original receipts along with providing a detailed justification for all travel expenditures. Reimbursement requests must represent actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses. The Monroe County Clerk's Office gives employees' travel reimbursements top priority for processing to ensure that travelers are reimbursed as quickly as possible.To that end, reimbursement requests that are fully completed and adhere to the following rules will assist in expediting the travel reimbursement request: KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070 1815 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 2 of 7 • Include in the Memo of the expense report detail on the business purpose of the travel. Detail that is helpful to provide includes identifying the traveler's headquarters, city of residence, point of origin, point of destination, and the business purpose of the travel (e.g., name of the conference, convention, meeting, etc.). • Attach clear and readable scans of all original receipts to the on-line expense report. Dates and names on the receipts must match the dates of travel and the traveler's name. Attach scanned copies of cancelled checks or proof of credit card ownership as proof of payment by traveler. • Enter the date(s) on which travel was performed. Travel period must match the dates on all receipts attached to the expense report. Daily travel dates must be entered and corresponding expenses for the date should be listed accordingly. • Ensure that the hour of departure and return include a.m. or p.m. A traveler taking personal leave at the end of a trip must estimate their return time back to the traveler's official headquarters or residence. • An expense report that is entered into Workday must be entered by the employee and it will then be routed to the employee's supervisor. If the supervisor does not have signing authority, the system will automatically route it to the designated personnel with signing authority for his/her approval. An employee reimbursement request that has travel that is 90 days or older, will automatically be routed for the County Administrator's approval. A non-employee/contractor requesting reimbursement must complete either a standard State of Florida travel voucher or an acceptable expense document containing dates, times, points of origins/destinations, detailed justification for the travel, all original travel receipts along with an affirmation declaring the claim is true and correct in every material matter and adhere to these travel guidelines. This reimbursement request will be processed by the Clerk of Circuit Court's Accounts Payable staff. 1816 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 3 of 7 Meal Reimbursement All travelers shall be allowed for subsistence when traveling to a convention or conference or when traveling within or outside the state to conduct bona fide BOCC business. Receipts for meal claims are not required. However, meals need to be itemized on the expense request. All travelers are allowed the following amounts while on official BOCC business: • Breakfast: $15 if travel begins before 6 a.m. and extends beyond 8 a.m. • Lunch: $20 if travel begins before 12 p.m. and extends beyond 2 p.m. • Supper: $40 if travel begins before 6 p.m. and extends beyond 8 p.m. No one, whether traveling out-of-state or in-state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference registration fee. A copy of the conference agenda must be scanned and attached to the expense report. Class A Travel is continuous travel of 24 hours or more away from the traveler's official headquarters. In accordance with Section 2-109, Monroe County Code, the travel day for Class A travel is a calendar day (midnight to midnight). Class B Travel is continuous travel of less than 24 hours that involves an overnight absence from the traveler's official headquarters. The travel day for Class B travel begins at the same time as the travel period. Class C Travel is a short or day trip in which the traveler is away from his/her official headquarters but is not staying overnight. Meals reimbursed for an employee while on Class C travel are considered fringe benefits by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). IRS regulations require FICA and federal income taxes be withheld on these meals.As a result, Class C meals are paid on an employee's payroll check. Employees should request reimbursement of Class C meals on their Workday expense report. The Clerk's Office will audit the reimbursement request and the system will then forward any Class C meals to payroll for further processing. A traveler is not entitled to a per diem for Class C travel. 1817 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 4 of 7 Per Diem. All travelers are allowed for subsistence when traveling to a convention or conference or when traveling within or outside of the state to conduct county-related business. The traveler is entitled to either: (1) $125 per diem for a full day of travel; or (2) If actual expenses exceed $125, reimbursement for actual expenses if those expenses exceed $125 and they are deemed necessary and reasonable for lodging for a single occupancy rate substantiated by paid receipts plus reimbursement with for meals within the BOCC's meal allowances. Per diems are paid by the quarter of the day. The traveler will receive $31.25 per quarter for any quarter of the day spent in travel status: Midnight to 6 a.m.; 6:01 a.m. to Noon; 12:01 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and 6:01 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Transportation All travel must be by a usually traveled route. In case a traveler travels by an indirect route for his/her own convenience, any extra costs shall be borne by the traveler and reimbursement of expenses shall be based only on such charges as would have been incurred by a usually traveled route. Transportation by common carrier when traveling on BOCC business and paid for personally by the traveler, must be substantiated by a receipt. Federal tax shall not be reimbursable to the traveler unless the State and other public agencies are required by law to pay such a tax. Mileage Reimbursement. Travelers who use their privately-owned vehicle for official BOCC travel shall be reimbursed $0.67 per mile. Reimbursement for expenditures related to the operation, maintenance, and ownership of a vehicle shall not be reimbursed when privately-owned vehicles are used for official BOCC business. All mileage shall be shown from point of origin (headquarters or residence, whichever is closer) to destination (headquarters or residence, whichever is closer). Travelers may use the Florida Department of Transportation's published mileage charts or Google Maps to compute mileage from address to address. 1818 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 5 of 7 Vicinity mileage necessary for the conduct of BOCC business is allowable but must be shown as a separate item on the travel voucher form. Airfare Reimbursement. For reimbursement of airfare, the traveler must provide electronic copies of boarding passes and flight itinerary (e.g., e-ticket receipt, travel agent's receipt, itinerary provided by airline, baggage receipt, etc.). Rental Vehicles. In accordance with the Monroe County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual Section 15, the County Administrator shall authorize reimbursement for rental vehicles where it is deemed to be the most advantageous to the county. Employees and authorized persons must waive all insurance on rental car contracts and no reimbursement for insurance costs shall be authorized. Lodging Travelers are reminded that the most economical use of hotel is required when traveling both in-state and out-of-state. Hotel receipts attached to the employee's expense report shall be itemized and legible and showing the bill paid in full. Hotel reimbursements cannot exceed the single occupancy rate. The single occupancy rate shall be provided when hotel rooms are shared with family or friends or when the hotel receipt indicates that two or more guests shared the room. When multiple authorized travelers share a hotel room and the bill paid by one of the travelers, a scanned copy of the other travelers' approved travel must be attached to the employee's expense report. Advance The Department Head may authorize an advance for travel to cover up to 80% of anticipated and allowable costs of travel. Advance payment of travel must be requested by submitting an expense authorization request in Monroe County's Workday system. The advance will be routed to the employee's Department Head's for approval. Direct Bookings It is strongly recommended that travelers book directly with hotels and airlines. Third party vendors, such as Expedia and Orbitz, charge a fee when refunds are requested. In addition, it is often difficult to obtain required documentation from these vendors. 1819 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 6 of 7 Incidental Allowable Expenses Following are incidental travel expenses that may be reimbursed: Registration Fees: Registration fees while attending a convention or conference may be reimbursed if the registration fee serves a direct public purpose for supporting the mission of the BOCC. A traveler may be reimbursed actual and necessary fees for attending events that are not included in the basic registration fee if the additional fees directly enhance BOCC's public purpose while attending a conference. Such expenses may include, but are not limited to, banquets and other meal functions. It is the responsibility of the traveler to substantiate that the charges were proper and necessary. No one, whether traveling out-of-state or in-state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference registration fee. Taxi Fares: Receipts for taxi fares on a per fare basis are needed. Storage, Parking Fees or Tolls: Receipts for storage, parking, and tolls on a per transaction basis are needed. Mandatory Valet Parking: Valet parking will be reimbursed only if it is mandatory. Communication Expenses: The voucher must include a statement that communication expenses are business related. Foreign Travel As required by statute, the current rates as specified in the federal publication "Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas)" shall be used to advance or reimburse BOCC employees and other authorized persons for foreign travel. Expenses For Reasonable Accommodations Individuals traveling on official BOCC business may require a reasonable accommodation, as required by the Federal Americans With Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Please contact the Clerk's Office with questions. 1820 Monroe County Travel Guidelines August 1, 2022 Page 7 of 7 Examples of Expenses Not Reimbursable* ✓ Alcoholic beverages ✓ Spouse or family members' travel costs ✓ Cancellation charges (unless fullyjustified) ✓ First night reservation charge (lodging only will be reimbursed after travel when reimbursement request is paid) ✓ Lost/stolen cash or personal property ✓ Personal items (e.g., toiletries, luggage, clothing, etc.) ✓ Traffic citations, parking tickets, and other fines ✓ Excessive mileage charges incurred for personal reasons (e.g., sightseeing, side trips, etc.) ✓ Parking costs at assigned workplace ✓ Repairs, towing service, etc. for personal vehicle ✓ Additional charges for late checkout ✓ Taxi fares to and from restaurants (unless fullyjustified) ✓ Lodging or airfare seating upgrades ✓ Flight insurance or car rental insurance ✓ Movies in hotel room; personal entertainment ✓ Childcare costs and kennel costs *This list is not all-inclusive 1821 N N 00 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ounty of Monroe Mayor David Rice,District I Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates,District 3 Michelle Coldiron,District 2 The Florida Keys James K.Scholl,District 4 Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5 Employee Services 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 (305)292-4457 - Phone 305)2924564, Fax OFFICETHE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Key West, Florida MONROE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION 4716.6 Date: August 14, 2022 Subject: Purchase, Travel, Pay & Personnel Action Authorization Reference: (A) Purchasing Policies & Procedures ( ) Monroe County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual (C) Ordinance No. 9-2015 ( ) M.C.A. Inst. 4705 Procedures for Processing Personnel Actions Enclosure: (1) Document Approval List (2) Voucher for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses (3) Form 4716.6 Employee Acknowledgment Document (4) Example Memo for Out of County Travel Effective Date: Upon Receipt (1) Background: In the Administration of County Government, it is necessary for certain employees to originate, review and approve various documents in order to authorize the many actions that are required in the conduct of the daily business of this County. It is incumbent upon all Monroe County employees to be knowledgeable of the policies, procedures and document approval authority as provided by the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners and the County Administrator. (2) Purpose. The purpose of this instruction is to promulgate the policy, procedures and authority to be adhered to by Monroe County employees with regard to originating, reviewing and approving the many various official documents and actions that are required in the routine administration of Monroe County Government. (3) Cancellation: This instruction to remain continuously in effect unless specifically revised or canceled. M.C.A. Inst.4716.6 August 14,2022 Page 2 (4) h-structions: A. All employees are responsible for being knowledgeable of, and for adherence to, the Purchasing Policies and Procedures (Reference (A). B. Enclosure (1), the "Document Approval List" provides for recommendation, initiation and approval authority for originating and approving various Monroe County personnel action, purchasing and travel authority documents. Strict adherence to same is required by all applicable employees. C. All employees are reminded, as promulgated therein, that in County overnight travel will require the approval of the Department Head. Out of County travel will require the prior approval of the applicable Assistant County Administrator or County Administrator. D. If travel is to any County contiguous with Monroe County or if the travel can be completed within one work day not requiring overnight lodging, prior approval of the next highest supervisory level can be obtained. E. All requests for travel reimbursement shall be submitted in writing on voucher for (Enclosure 2) which shall give date(s) of travel, purpose, all applicable receipts, and amount due the traveler. Advanced payment for travel must be requested by subn-dtting voucher for for approval by the applicable Assistant County Administrator or County Administrator. F. Travel shall be the most economical and practicable method available. Authorization for a rental car must be requested in advanced and approved by the applicable Assistant County Administrator or County Adn-finistrator. (5) Action• A. Department Heads and applicable Supervisory Personnel are themselves responsible for and insuring the employees failing under their purview are also knowledgeable of and strictly adhere to, the policies and procedures promulgated by this Administrative Instruction and the referenced documents. 00 CN 00 M.C.A. Ins[.4716.6 August 14,2022 Page 3 B. The Human Resource Office is to issue all new employees a copy of this Instruction and Reference (B). When so accomplished, For 4716.6 (Enclosure 3) is to be signed certi in this action has been accompfished and the for subsequently permanently placed in the applicable employee's Personnel File. 1� Ile, ................ oman Gastesi County Administrator Distribution: List VI Originator: DHR Review: August 14, 2025 o a � j W = > > E _ VJ ® a a u O. �.... �. ,, .. °E o d o O ® o O ® a a • cam U UU a a Ix M a > OE c Z N o C* E c c G e y. Er ts� c� En j Z ° o o a o 0 0 a°_ o. Q. u cs d ® A ca. CL Q a 8 94 r� d ....:. •,,,,. ., ,m, ,,,,,�, �� ., .... • _ Cj r o o 0 0 0 ems j 0 b�0 va .�+ > h > >, > y h °� °� _ O .. O D O C .d < dd a QO a a o �c ac �®_ y O . i o a U a9U UEa MZH � oa ® Cs> o ,U V Q. 'A Ln Q o U 0. 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Inst. 4716.5 Enclosure(3) MONROE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE FORM 4716.E Employee Acknowledgement The undersigned hereby acknowledges receiving the following document, being instructed concerning the contents thereof, and fully comprehending the responsibility of all applicable Monroe County employees for compliance with the adherence to the policies,procedures, and regulations contained therein: 1. Monroe County Administrative Instruction 4716.6 Name: Department:.,�, �rrrrrrrr Position: Date of Hire: Employee Signature Daw M.C.A. Inst.47 16.6 Enclosure(4) Page 9 BOARD F CU CO _I ONE Mayor Dav4 Rice,District I County of Monroe Mayor Pro Tem Craig Cates,District 3 Michelle Coldiron,District 2 T+1 Tr James K.Scholl,District 4 Tiue 1 IOI1da Heys Holly Merill Rascheln,District 5 i MEMORANDUM EXAMPLE To: Roman si County Administrator From: to Department Date: August 4, 2022 Re: 2022 Employee Training This memo is to serve as a request for your permission to attend1 lye Training t the ABC Institutein Largo, Florida. I will be leaving on the 3RD of October, returning on the eveningof the 6TH. I am requesting advac travel for the hotel, plane fare and a rental car. Attached for your review is the list of hotels available and registration information. Upon your approval, i will forward a request for advanced travel. If approval is granted, pleasesin below. Roman Gastesi County fi istato 00 M co Ballard-Lindsey From: Ballard-Lindsey Sent: Monday,June 24, 2024 2:35 PM To: Atkins-Katherine Cc: Strickland-Richard;Wilson-Kevin Subject: RE: Hotel: Boat Races Kevin approves. L° 1 Business Manager-Administration 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-205 Key West, FL 3300 (305)2 2-4443 (Office) (305)393-4442 (Cell Phone) (305)292-4544 (Fax) Courier Stop# 1 Ballard®Lindsey monroecounty®fl® ov www®monroecounty®fl® ov � w 1 Monroe County, Florida "The FloridaKeys" 'We may encounter many defeats but we mast not be defeated."—Maya Angelou 'LEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY RE(�ARDIN(�COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. Plearse condder the environment when t� deci ing w1w l°eer two print tlris email,lk. From:Atkins-Katherine<Atkins-Katherine@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent: Monday,June 24, 2024 1:59 PM To: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Cc: Strickland-Richard <Strickland-Richard@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: Fw: Hotel: Boat Races Good afternoon Lindsey, I am seeking post-approval from the County Administrator for the hotel stay below. I attended and represented the Marathon Offshore boat races and stayed overnight on Saturday, April 27, due to the fact that I would be up in the early morning hours to set up our airport marketing and giveaway tent. i 1830 This has gone through WorkDay and has been approved twice by Richard but apparently needs approval from the County Administrator. I appreciate your help. a Wail e Atkins Airport Marketing and Communications Manager � Key West International Airport Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport I''Ilruoine 305-304-7906 l�::,iiriiir:jiU.Atl<ins-Katherine@MonroeCounty:EL.gov 19tda lix https-.//evw.com/ 3491 South Roosevelt Blvd.,Key West,FL 33040 From: Strickland-Richard <Strickland-Richard@MonroeCounV-FL,Gov> Sent:Tuesday, April 9, 2024 12:42 PM To:Atkins-Katherine<Atkins-Katherine@MonroeCounty-FL,Gov> Subject: Re: Hotel: Boat Races Approved Richard Strickland, C.M. Executive Director of Airports Key West International Airport 305-393-7742 Sent from myiPhone On Apr 9, 2024, at 11:04 AM,Atkins-Katherine <Atkins- atherine monroecounty4flm ov> wrote: I am requesting the booking of a hotel room for the nights of April 26 and 27, checking out April 28, 2024, in Marathon for the Seven Mile Offshore Grand Prix due to the several hours of work that go into representation at the boat races especially setup in the early in the morning hours. 2 1831 Thank you, Kafie Atkins Airport Marketing and Communications Manager <Outlook- Key West International Airport Florida Keys/Marathon International Airport evw4gx5x.p ng> I'linaine 305-304-7906 iiriiir:jiU.Atl<ins-Katherine@MonroeCounty-FL. ov Welix httgs-.//eyw.com/ 3491 South Roosevelt Blvd.,Key West,FL 33040 <Outtook-A picture .Dng> <Outlook-xcoh5hid.png> <Outlook-mh3vmorv.Dng> 3 1832 Alp INfll20•I'ht Ili///fir a ll� , r ��u�>anrmr� tHNar�a �ntt (� t4��«�" W ° o I I p i tdugPl� d9➢1➢lY�Y�Y!° ��ulllulu prnoulu NNNtlr� Rm�E —DF—DRE 9:00 AM 4:30 PM Dry Pits Open-Early Arrivals 1D ry If"iV 1 550 1`J" nnid St reef( an Pabx o Cl�i�urch Super Cat Stock 450,Super Vee 11Iry:..V..".jg;..J...:::...d.J:8.f�._Ov.�=,�:;�r��.:�...11:N.Wnr.Y....(52 lYrA....E�d..N,.�.A[0. 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Super Cat Stock 450,Super Vee Wet Pits-(M:auins:Vex..al::.<Ir a...BLI.ains.i o...PVIar:.ln...a. r jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Registration RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 9:00 AM 5:00 PM Inspections(EZ Pass Required) RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 10:00 AM 3:00 PM Dunker Testing Q z,i,zzia uV;_Q2y,,,BYll;",z�,lrlk,;;;7..Q.7,,,,�,�rl,<�;fion�,,,lBllyd 1:00 PM 5:00 PM Fueling—Official Fuel of RWO RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 5:30 PM 8:30 PM Welcome Party Racers&Fans lhNn a.t Physicals(Bracket Classes 4,5,6,7&Stock 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 450) .y:.iV r II Nz�llll :u805 Over ea II NWnr r ulf z�irlkiinus II...IiruniV:ed� 8:00 AM 8:45 AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting TBD(Parking Limited) 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Fueling—Official Fuel of RWO RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Cranes&Ramp Open Crane 1 (Public Boat Ramp)&Crane 2(Pigeon Key Tours) 9:00 AM 11:00 AM Final Registration C:IV:.y:..11::t.znllal...a U 15 Overseas II My(IParlkiing...II:::I:rr.11i �d.� 10:00 AM 12:00 PM Offshore Testing On Race Course 9:30 AM 12:00 PM Inspections(EZ Pass Required) RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 9:30 AM 4:30 PM Pigeon Key Shuttles Marathon City Park to Sunset Grill 12:00 PM 1:30 PM Open Harbour to all boat traffic 1:30 PM 2:30 PM Race 1 Bracket(4,5,7) 2:30 PM 3:30 PM Race 2 Stock 450 3:30 PM 4:30 PM Offshore Testing 6:30 PM RWO Racer Party Ovc.m a 1.1.::."..rJ.b...&G.Jr.:ll.11._I:574 Ove seas II NWnry 7:30 AM 8:00 AM Physicals(Sunday Racers) D. II N�IIII I ru805 Ovevseas II My(II"airlkiing II iiruni14 8:00 AM 8:15 AM Chapel Service 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Mandatory Drivers Meeting 8:00 AM 12:00 PM Fueling—Official Fuel of RWO RWO Trailer Marathon Airport 8:30 AM 4:00 PM Cranes&Ramp Open Crane 1 (Public Boat Ramp)&Crane 2(Pigeon Key Tours) 11:00 AM 12:00 PM Race 1 -Mod V/Super Vee/Bracket 2&3 12:00 PM 1:30 PM Open Harbour to all boat traffic 1:30 PM 2:30 PM Race 2-Super Stock 2:30 PM 4:00 PM Race 3-Super Cat 6:00 PM 7:30 PM Awards Ceremony S.r:urn�.yet..G.Ir:i.I1.11ke....(7....IK.tn.igilus Ke Ifs,,...MaIra:Varon IP11...33050. 1833 Ballard-Lindsey From: Cuneo-Julie Sent: Tuesday,June 3, 2025 3:13 PM To: Hurley-Christine Cc: Fiore-Megan; Cook-Bryan; Ballard-Lindsey Subject: RE: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins Attachments: F.A.C. 691-42.006.doc; New Travel Guidelines Posted on Workday; BOCCTravelGuidelinesAug2022.pdf; 2024-Schedules-2024-Marathon-Schedule-1.pdf Thank you for your patience in my response. I had to dig a little on this one because I could not find the 50-mile rule in our policies and ordinance. This comes from the Florida Administrative Code, which the Clerk's guidance references. I attached the specific code. Last year the Clerk's Office made significant revisions to its guidance. Attached is the email I sent out to all users June 21, 2024. 1 highlighted the items that were added to the guidelines. This was sent out after Katie's travel occurred. However, I verified with Lynn, who has been working with the P-Cards for the last 8 years, and this issue with travel being less than 50 miles came up at least one other time prior to Katie's situation. The purpose of the enhanced language in the new guidance was for clarification and explanation on items they had been having issues with. It was not to change policy. It started with conversations I was having with the Clerk's Office regarding the issues I was encountering with the TDC travel reimbursements. They ended up enhancing both the TDC and BOCC guidance at that time. Regarding the purchase of the hotel room, there was no deposit paid at the time of reservation. The only transaction we can see is the payment when she checked out. We cannot verify if she made the reservation before Richard's approval on 4/9. Section 15 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual covers travel. The policy approved 2/21/24 was the one in place at the time of her travel. It states that In County overnight travel needs to be approved by her Department Head. Similar language is in the Administrative Instruction as well. She obtained that from Richard prior to travel. However, looking at the comments in the process history for this P-card transaction, the memos were not relevant to the Clerk's denial. There are no comments from them asking for these memos. This is taken from the transaction: 1834 , int Ba,ck 05,/1 7/202 w 5/1 /2,024 II�yon d;,ePi While the 50-mile rule was not contained in the documentation available at that time, the Clerk's Travel Guidance available to us at the time of her travel (attached) states "These guidelines should not be considered all-inclusive. The Clerk's Finance Department reserves the right to review reimbursement requests on an individual basis." Since you are working on revising the administrative instruction for travel, I would like to point out that the FAC and Clerk's Guidance state the overnight travel being within 50 miles of the employee's headquarters city or residence. However, it does not state where the travel ends in calculating the mileage. The hotel could be under 50 miles, but the location of where a person is attending a conference or working an event may be farther away and over 50 miles. For example, in the attached schedule of events there is a welcome party on Friday night. When I check the mileage from the airport to that location, it is more than 50 miles. Also, I would suggest that the administrative instruction include a procedures for documenting the exact location they traveled from—their residence or headquarters— including the address. That could make a difference, too. I hope this answers your questions and clarifies the situation better. Thank you, Julie E. Cuneo Director, Purchasing and Contracts Budget and Finance Department 1100 Simonton Street 2-213 Key West, FL 33040 305.292.4460 Stop 1 v ww.monroecoumy- ov Board of County Commissioners Monroe County, Florida 2 1835 "The Florida Keys" From: Hurley-Christine<Hurley-Christine@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent:Thursday, May 29, 2025 7:48 AM To: Fiore-Megan <Fiore-Megan@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Cook-Bryan <Cook-Bryan@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Cuneo- Julie<Cuneo-Julie@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: Fwd: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins Megan and Julie. Can you send me the policies that were broken with this travel issue please. Ppp?Admin instructions? I believe you need to look at whether she purchased the hotel using the P card before or after the travel was approved. It seems like she did it before.And then sought approval from Kevin Wilson afterwards. Lindsay can provide you the email if you need it. And, Lindsey did this occur before or after the Clerk guidelines on travel? Because if it occurred after the Clerk travel guide guidelines were distributed, I'm assuming they were distributed to senior management at least, there could also be things that were violated in those guidelines. Maybe the guidelines came after this travel? I'm not sure. Christine Hurley,AICP Monroe County Administrator(Florida Keys) 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 305-393-3361 From: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard®Lindsey onroeCounty-FL®Gov> Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:27 AM To: Hurley-Christine <Eu riel-Ch ristinef MonroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Gonzalez-Lynn <Gonzalez- Lynn onroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Boan-Tina <Boan®Tina onroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Strickland-Richard <Strickland®Richard @MonroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Mercado-Pedro < ercao®Pedro MonroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Wilson-Kevin < ilson®Kevin onroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Cuneo-Julie <Cuneo®Julie onroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Martinez-Debra < artinez®Debra onroeCounty-FL®Gov>; Leto-Beth <Leto®Beth onroeCounty-FL®Gov> Subject: RE: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins That is correct.You wouldn't submit until after the travel has happened. The only time you would submit prior to the travel would be if you wanted to create a spend authorization where you are asking for a cash advance on the travel. Which I do not believe she did. L° 1 A de to 0lhrLstLv e I tv.rLeU, C-ouvttU MvKLvastrntor 3 1836 R&Lmss m2vLpoer-Aan&LvUstratLov4 1100 :, vntovvtov�,Street, SR to 2-2,05 KIT West, FL SS040 T*ov"e) (S05)292-+5-+4 (Fax) CoRrLer Ito° �.�[Larc�-LLvI„�se� vu.ov�,roe�o�cv�t - ov onroecovvutw--R oy Monroe County, Florida "The FloridaKeys" 'We may encounter many defeats but we mast not be defeated."—Maya Angelou PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY 13ROAD RECORDS LAW. MOSTWRITTEN COMM,NIC,4TIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY RE(�ARDIN(�COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAYBE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. Please w:o odder the environment when decadar9 whether two print tlrisemail, lk. From: Hurley-Christine<Hurley-Christine MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:22 AM To: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Gonzalez-Lynn <Gonzalez-Lynn MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Boan-Tina <Boan-TinaMonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Strickland-Richard <Strickland-Richard Mon roeCounty- FL.Gov>; Mercado-Pedro <Mercado-Pedro Mon roeCounty-FL,Gov>;Wilson-Kevin < ilson-KevinMonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Cuneo-Julie <Cuneo-JulieMonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Martinez-Debra <Martinez-DebraMonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Leto-Beth <Leto-BethMonroeCounty-FL,Gov> Cc: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-LindseyMonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: Re: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins So at the time there was no workday travel approval in advance? Christine Hurley,AICP Monroe County Administrator(Florida Keys) 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 305-393-3361 From: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-LindseyMonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:15:34 AM 4 1837 To: Hurley-Christine<Burley-Christine@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Gonzalez-Lynn <Gonzalezlynn@MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Boan-Tina <Roan-l-ina@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Strickland-Richard <Strickla nd-Richa rd@ Mon roeCou nty- FL.Gov>; Mercado-Pedro <Mercado-Pedro @Mon roeCou nty-F L.Gov>;Wilson-Kevin <Wilson-Kevin@MonroeCounty FL.Gov>; Cuneo-Julie <Cuneo-Julie2yonroeCount_y-FL.Gov>; Martinez-Debra <Martinez-Debra@MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Leto-Beth <Leto-Beth@MonroeCounty-FLG > Cc: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: RE: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins Yes ma'am, please see the attached. I didn't attach it when I responded the first time, it was attached in the email you sent to everyone earlier,wasn't sure if you needed it. My apologies. Lau4e,y Ballcwcl, AWe to 0hrLstLve l tvAeU, C-ouvttU MvKLvastrntor T,u&Lo,ess Mannoer-Aoln&nv strat(on :L100 ,SLvK,o vuto o,Street, SuLte 2-205 K,eu West, FL SS040 (,S05)292--+443 (office) (C'eLL (Fax) C,o"r(er Stop#-I WWW-Vv-Qn0Cr22Z-v1­W-R-QQV Monroe County, Florida "The Florida Keys" 'We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated."—Maya Angelou PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOS7WRI-rTEN COMMUNICA-FIONS -rOORFROM THE COUNTY REC�ARDINC� COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE-rO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUES7. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAYBE SUBJ-EC7-rO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. Please condder the environment'vwfien " deciclingw1wfl"ier two print t1fls email, lk� From: Hurley-Christine<Lurie -Christine MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 10:09 AM To: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey MonroeCoupty-FL.Gov>; Gonzalez-Lynn <Gonzalez-_Lynn_@_MonroeCounty FL.Gov>; Boan-Tina <Boan-Tina_@_MonroeCounty-FL. >; Strickland-Richard <Strickla nd-Richa rd@ Mon roeCou nty- FL.Gov>; Mercado-Pedro <Mercado-Pedro @Mon roeCou nty-F L.Gov>;Wilson-Kevin <Wilson-Kevin@MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Cuneo-Julie <Cu neo-J u lie@ MonroeCou_nty-FL.Gov>; Martinez-Debra <Martinez-Debra@MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Leto-Beth <Leto-Beth@MonroeCounty-FLG > Cc: Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: Re: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins 5 1838 C>o you have the email where it was approved then? Christine Hurley,A|CP Monroe County Administrator(Florida Keys) 11OO Simonton Street Key West, FL33O4O 305-383-3361 Fnomm: BaUard'Lindoey Sent:Wednesday, May 14, 202S10:04:43AM To: Hurley-Christine Gonzalez-Lynn Fl.Gov>; Boan'Tina ; Strickland-Richard Fl.Gov>; Mercado-Pedro >;Wilson-Kevin < FLGgov>; Cuneo-Julie < >; Martinez-Debra FLGgov>; Leto'Beth < > Cc: Ballard-Lindsey< > Subject: RE: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins No travel memo was submitted. In the past, staff would email Roman or Kevin (with a CC to me)for approval and I would get with them separately and ifitwas approved, | would respond with the approval.They would use that email as back-up to the workday request for that specific travel. Attached is the policy that was in effect when Katie submitted her travel request. I remember speaking with Kevin regarding this because of the policy stating that she was within the 50 miles, but due to the early morning hours for set- up, Kevin approved the request. Lau4e,y Ballcwcl~ A�de to 0�hrLstLveHurLeN, (�m��� ��m�����r � � T,u&Lwess MamQo8r-Aaw&�m�strAt�ow :L100 ,SLmK,o vutomStreet, SuLte 2-205 K,eu West, FLSSO40 (,S05)292--+443 (c)ffice) (SoMsqs-4442 (CeiiT*0ne) (,S05)292-^F544 (Fax) C,our�er Stop#-I Monroe County, Florida "The Florida Keys" 'We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated."—Maya Angelou 0 1839 PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY RE(�ARDIN(�COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAYBE SUtBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. 4 Please condder flee nvironment'vw°i en decadar g w1wfl"eer two print tlris email, lk. From: Hurley-Christine<Hurley-Christine MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Sent:Wednesday, May 14, 2025 9:40 AM To: Gonzalez-Lynn <Gonzalez-Lynn MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Boan-Tina <Boan-Tina MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Strickland-Richard <Strickland-Richard@ Mon roeCounty-FL.Gov>; Mercado-Pedro<Mercado-Pedro MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>;Wilson-Kevin < ilson-Kevin MonroeCounty-FL,Gov>; Ballard-Lindsey<Ballard-Lindsey MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Cuneo-Julie <Cu neo-J u lie@ MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Martinez-Debra <Martinez-Debra MonroeCounty- FL.Gov>; Leto-Beth <Leto-Beth MonroeCounty-FL.Gov> Subject: FW: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins Importance: High Kevin and Lindsey:Within these attachments it says Kevin Wilson approved Katie's travel for this hotel stay. Can you please provide me with the approved travel memo or form Kevin signs. Pedro: It appears you have also been involved. Did you write a legal justification for this to try to get it approved. Are there any additional documents related to this anyone can provide? Lindsey: Please send me the travel policy that was in affect at the time of this travel. I've attached the current one; but need to make sure I have the correct version at the time of this travel. Also: Send me the workday travel request from when this is approved. CHAP'TER '13: P(JRCHASING CARD POLICY The Monroe County Purchasing Card Policy & Procedures establishes detailed policies which control the use of Purchase Cards. The Purchasing Card Policy be followed and is ,attached hereto as ATTACHMENT C There shall be abs,olu I've attached the policy.The policy reads: 6 State travel guidelines prohibit reimbursement f per them or overnight travel within 50 miles of this reel y+ + ' head"quarters city. unless there is documented: Id n of uniillu ual and extenu:atinig1 accompanying the employee's travel request along with pre- ll l 1 Did Kevin indicate there were extenuating circumstances accompanying the employee's travel request along with Pre-approval by the County Administrator. 1840 Thankyou' Christine Hurley,A|CP Monroe County(Florida Keys)Administrator 11OO Simonton Street Key West, Florida, 33O4O Fnomm: Gonza|ez'Lynn Sent:Tuesday, May 13, 202S12:26PM To: Hurley-Christine Boan'Tina Strickland-Richard Mercado-Pedro Fl=Gov> Cc: Cuneo-Ju|ie< >; Martinez'Debra > Subject: Follow-Up on Outstanding Travel Charge for Katie Atkins Good afternoon, During our monthly meeting with the Clerk's Office, we discussed the outstanding $5Z9.00 charge related to Katie Atkins, which has remained in draft status since May7, 2024. This charge pertains to two overnight stays for her representation at the Seven Mile Offshore Grand Prix boat races. hlclmroe Cmun0y Bmandof�oun�' Although the appropriate documentation was submitted, the Clerk's Office denied the charge based on the policy that travel to/from Marathon does not meet the 50-mile minimum required to authorize overnight accommodations. Attached is the correspondence regarding this charge, including the most recent update indicating that Richard was working with Pedro from Legal. As the issue remains unresolved, late fees have begun to accrue. We would appreciate any assistance in moving this matter forward and resolving the outstanding balance. Please let rne know if any additional information ianeeded. Thank you, Administrator, Business Services Monroe County BOCC/OMB 1100 Simonton Street Suite2'213 Key West, FL33040 Office: 306'292'4467 8 1841 Board of County Commissioners Monroe County, Florida "The Florida Keys" PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HASA VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY REGARDING COUNTY BUSINESS ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAYBE SUBJECTTO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE. Pleme con sder the e b"1vironment when deciding wI eih r to print t6fn.s emad, 9 1842 -L-t. c,,I couRr, e°A Kevin Madok, CPA �o ........ � Clerk of the Circuit Court& Comptroller— Monroe County, Florida �Ro.co.NSy Monroe County BOCC TRAVEL GUIDELINES Prepared By: Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller Office Last Update: June 13, 2024 Questions: Aneta Donnelly, Accounts Payable Supervisor Phone - 305.292.3417 Email -. .. ..o ii.i n.. ......° .. ..!!:: ..r!! ..!r q. .:::::. ..�. .!r. ..w. .q..!!::L.. Overview The information in this brochure summarizes the travel guidelines for the officers, employees and other authorized persons traveling on behalf of the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). These guidelines are based on applicable state statutes (s. 112.061, F.S. and F.A.C. rule 691-42), Monroe County ordinances (Ch. 2, Art. III, Div. 3), and Section 15 of the Monroe County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual which states travel shall be the most economical and practicable method available. These guidelines should not be considered all-inclusive. The Clerk's Finance Department reserves the right to review reimbursement requests on an individual basis. When planning travel, BOCC employees are expected to adhere to the following requirements: • In-county overnight travel requires approval of the Department Head. This approval must accompany the employee's request for travel reimbursement. • Out-of-county travel requires rp for approval of the Assistant County Administrator or County Administrator. If travel is to any county contiguous to Monroe County or if the travel can be completed within one workday and does not require overnight lodging, rp for approval of the next-highest supervisory level can be KEY WEST MARATHON PLANTATION KEY 500 Whitehead Street 3117 Overseas Highway 88770 Overseas Highway Key West, Florida 33040 Marathon, Florida 33050 Plantation Key, Florida 33070 1843 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 2 of 9 obtained. The approval must accompany the employee's request for travel reimbursement. • State travel guidelines prohibit reimbursement of per diem or lodging for overnight travel within 50 miles of the employee's headquarters city or residence unless there is documented evidence of unusual and extenuating circumstances accompanying the employee's travel request along with pre-approval by the County Administrator. To receive reimbursement, a BOCC employee must log into Workday and complete an on- line expense report. The employee will be required to submit copies of original receipts along with providing a detailed justification for all travel expenditures. Reimbursement requests must represent actual, reasonable, and necessary expenses. The Monroe County Clerk's Office gives employees' travel reimbursements top priority for processing to ensure that travelers are reimbursed as quickly as possible. To that end, reimbursement requests that are fully completed and adhere to the following rules will assist in expediting the travel reimbursement request: • Include in the Memo of the expense report detail on the business purpose of the travel. Detail that is helpful to provide includes identifying the traveler's headquarters, city of residence, point of origin, point of destination, and the business purpose of the travel (e.g., name of the conference, convention, meeting, dates of travel, etc.). • Enter the date(s) on which travel was performed. Travel period must match the dates on all receipts attached to the expense report. Daily travel dates must be entered and corresponding expenses for the date should be listed accordingly. • Attach clear and readable scans of all original receipts to the on-line expense report. Dates and names on the receipts must match the dates of travel and the traveler's name. Attach scanned copies of cancelled checks or proof of credit card ownership as proof of payment by traveler. 1844 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 3 of 9 • Ensure that the hour of departure and return include a.m. or p.m. A traveler taking personal leave at the end of a trip must estimate their return time back to the traveler's official headquarters or residence. • An expense report that is entered into Workday must be entered by the employee and it will then be routed to the employee's supervisor. If the supervisor does not have signing authority, the system will automatically route it to the designated personnel with signing authority for his/her approval. An employee reimbursement request that has travel that is 90 days or older, will automatically be routed for the County Administrator's approval. A non-employee/contractor requesting reimbursement must complete either a standard State of Florida travel voucher or an acceptable expense document containing dates, times, points of origins/destinations, detailed justification for the travel, all original travel receipts along with an affirmation declaring the claim is true and correct in every material matter and adhere to these travel guidelines. This reimbursement request will be processed by the Clerk of Circuit Court's Accounts Payable staff. Meal Reimbursement All travelers shall be allowed for subsistence when traveling to a convention or conference or when traveling within or outside the state to conduct bona fide BOCC business. Receipts for meal claims are not required. However, meals need to be itemized on the expense request. All travelers are allowed the following amounts while on official BOCC business: • Breakfast: $15 if travel begins before 6 a.m. and extends beyond 8 a.m. • Lunch: $20 if travel begins before 12 p.m. and extends beyond 2 p.m. • Supper: $40 if travel begins before 6 p.m. and extends beyond 8 p.m. 1845 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 4 of 9 No one, whether traveling out-of-state or in-state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference registration fee. A copy of the conference agenda must be scanned and attached to the expense report. Class A Travel is continuous travel of 24 hours or more away from the traveler's official headquarters. In accordance with Section 2-109, Monroe County Code, the travel day for Class A travel is a calendar day (midnight to midnight). Class B Travel is continuous travel of less than 24 hours that involves an overnight absence from the traveler's official headquarters. The travel day for Class B travel begins at the same time as the travel period. Class C Travel is a short or day trip in which the traveler is away from his/her official headquarters but is not staying overnight. Meals reimbursed for an employee while on Class C travel are considered fringe benefits by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). IRS regulations require FICA and federal income taxes be withheld on these meals.As a result, Class C meals are paid on an employee's payroll check. Employees should request reimbursement of Class C meals on their Workday expense report. The Clerk's Office will audit the reimbursement request and the system will then forward any Class C meals to payroll for further processing. A traveler is not entitled to a per diem for Class C travel. Per Diem. All travelers are allowed for subsistence when traveling to a convention or conference or when traveling within or outside of the state to conduct county-related business. The traveler is entitled to either: (1) $125 per diem for a full day of travel; or (2) If actual expenses exceed $125, reimbursement for actual expenses if those expenses exceed $125 and they are deemed necessary and reasonable for lodging for a single occupancy rate substantiated by paid receipts plus reimbursement with for meals within the BOCC's meal allowances. 1846 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 5 of 9 Per diems are paid by the quarter of the day. The traveler will receive $31.25 per quarter for any quarter of the day spent in travel status: Midnight to 6 a.m.; 6:01 a.m. to Noon; 12:01 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and 6:01 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. State travel guidelines prohibit reimbursement of per diem for overnight travel within 50 miles of the employee's headquarters city or residence unless there is documented evidence of unusual and extenuating circumstances accompanying the employee's travel request along with pre-approval by the County Administrator. Transportation All travel must be by a usually traveled route. In case a traveler travels by an indirect route for his/her own convenience, any extra costs shall be borne by the traveler and reimbursement of expenses shall be based only on such charges as would have been incurred by a usually traveled route. Transportation by common carrier when traveling on BOCC business and paid for personally by the traveler, must be substantiated by a receipt. Federal tax shall not be reimbursable to the traveler unless the State and other public agencies are required by law to pay such a tax. Mileage Reimbursement. Travelers who use their privately-owned vehicle for official BOCC travel shall be reimbursed $0.67 per mile. Reimbursement for expenditures related to the operation, maintenance, and ownership of a vehicle shall not be reimbursed when privately-owned vehicles are used for official BOCC business. If an employee is assigned a county vehicle, the employee must provide an explanation as to why they used their personal vehicle in lieu of the county-assigned vehicle for their business-related travel. All mileage shall be shown from point of origin (headquarters or residence, whichever is closer) to destination (headquarters or residence, whichever is closer). Travelers may use the Florida Department of Transportation's published mileage charts or Google Maps to compute mileage from address to address. 1847 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 6 of 9 Vicinity mileage necessary for the conduct of BOCC business is allowable but must be shown as a separate item on the travel voucher form. Airfare Reimbursement. For reimbursement of airfare, the traveler must provide electronic copies of boarding passes and flight itinerary (e.g., e-ticket receipt, travel agent's receipt, itinerary provided by airline, baggage receipt, etc.). To ensure travel is the most economical and practical, travelers are expected to book the lowest logical airfare and to consider the following (but not limited to) alternatives in making the decision: • Alternate airports • Advance purchase fares • Additional night stay-over • Connecting and one-stop flights • Non-preferred carriers All airline tickets should be purchased as non-refundable coach/economy class. All charges incurred for airline baggage fees may be submitted for reimbursement but a receipt must be provided. Costs for lost or delayed luggage will not be reimbursed. If a traveler's luggage is lost or delayed, the airline's procedure to obtain reimbursement should be followed. Rental Vehicles. In accordance with the Monroe County Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual Section 15, the County Administrator shall authorize reimbursement for rental vehicles where it is deemed to be the most advantageous to the county. Employees and authorized persons must waive all insurance on rental car contracts and no reimbursement for insurance costs shall be authorized. Lodging Travelers are reminded that the most economical use of hotel is required when traveling both in-state and out-of-state. Hotel receipts attached to the employee's expense report 1848 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 7 of 9 shall be itemized and legible and showing the bill paid in full (must be a zero-balance receipt/folio). Hotel reimbursements cannot exceed the single occupancy rate.The single occupancy rate shall be provided when hotel rooms are shared with family or friends or when the hotel receipt indicates that two or more guests shared the room. When multiple authorized travelers share a hotel room and the bill paid by one of the travelers, a scanned copy of the other travelers' approved travel must be attached to the employee's expense report. State travel guidelines prohibit reimbursement of lodging for overnight travel within 50 miles of the employee's headquarters city or residence unless there is documented evidence of unusual and extenuating circumstances accompanying the employee's travel request along with pre-approval by the County Administrator. Advance The Department Head may authorize for an employee an advance for travel to cover up to 80% of anticipated and allowable costs of travel. Advance payment of travel must be requested by submitting an expense authorization request in Monroe County's Workday system. The advance will be routed to the employee's Department Head's for approval. Direct Bookings It is strongly recommended that travelers book directly with hotels and airlines. Third party vendors, such as Expedia and Orbitz, charge a fee when refunds are requested. In addition, it is often difficult to obtain required documentation from these vendors. Incidental Allowable Expenses Following are incidental travel expenses that may be reimbursed: Registration Fees: Registration fees while attending a convention or conference may be reimbursed if the registration fee serves a direct public purpose for supporting the mission of the BOCC. A traveler may be reimbursed actual and necessary fees for attending events that are not included in the basic registration fee if the additional fees directly enhance BOCC's public purpose while attending a conference. Such expenses may 1849 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 8 of 9 include, but are not limited to, banquets and other meal functions. It is the responsibility of the traveler to substantiate that the charges were proper and necessary. No one, whether traveling out-of-state or in-state, shall be reimbursed for any meal or lodging included in a convention or conference registration fee. Fares for Ground Transportation (i.e., taxis, Uber, Lyft, subway, train, bus, etc.): Travelers are expected to make the best economical and practical decision when securing ground transportation by considering the most cost effective, safe, and efficient means for ground transportation available for the situation. Receipts for ground transportation are needed for reimbursement. Tips for ground transportation that do not exceed 15 percent are reimbursable. Storage, Parking Fees or Tolls: Receipts for storage, parking, and tolls on a per transaction basis are needed. Mandatory Valet Parking: Valet parking will be reimbursed only if it is mandatory. Communication Expenses: The voucher must include a statement that communication expenses are business related. Foreign Travel As required by statute, the current rates as specified in the federal publication "Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians, Foreign Areas)" shall be used to advance or reimburse BOCC employees and other authorized persons for foreign travel. Expenses For Reasonable Accommodations Individuals traveling on official BOCC business may require a reasonable accommodation, as required by the Federal Americans With Disabilities Act and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Please contact the Clerk's Office with questions. 1850 Monroe County Travel Guidelines June 13, 2024 Page 9 of 9 Examples of Expenses Not Reimbursable* ✓ Alcoholic beverages ✓ Spouse or family members' travel costs ✓ Cancellation charges (unless fullyjustified) ✓ First night reservation charge (lodging only will be reimbursed after travel when reimbursement request is paid) ✓ Lost/stolen cash or personal property ✓ Personal items (e.g., toiletries, luggage, clothing, etc.) ✓ Traffic citations, parking tickets, and other fines ✓ Excessive mileage charges incurred for personal reasons (e.g., sightseeing, side trips, etc.) ✓ Parking costs at assigned workplace ✓ Normal commuting costs ✓ Repairs, towing service, etc. for personal vehicle ✓ Additional charges for late checkout ✓ Taxi or other ground transportation fares to and from restaurants (unless fully justified) ✓ Lodging or airfare seating upgrades ✓ Any expenses resulting from obtaining airline miles for personal use ✓ Flight insurance or car rental insurance ✓ Car washes ✓ Housekeeping tips ✓ Movies in hotel room; personal entertainment ✓ Childcare costs and kennel costs *This list is not all-inclusive 1851