Knee-jerk governing
Once again we see an organization change policy in a knee jerk manner. Because two council members are repeatedly delinquent filing expense reports, the policy is changed for all the city employees. Even worse, the council voted on the new policy with at a maximum of two hours to consider the changes.
Is this another of those we have to pass it to see what’s in it?
Early in my working career I worked for a company that paid all my travel expenses once my reports were submitted and approved. This caused some hardship to my family because of our money tied up in expenses and waiting for reimbursement. I finally had to tell that company no more. If they wanted me to travel they would front the funds. Then I had to submit the receipts for justification of the expense and return any unused portion of the advance.
I believe the city had other recourse to remedy the issue. First, establish a time frame for submission of the expense form with receipts before additional action would take place. Garnish any delinquent amounts after that period and finally press charges for unlawful use of city funds. This would apply to everyone that received an advance for travel. Then anyone requesting an advance would receive the policy with the request form and sign they understood the advancement of funds for travel process including the requirement to submit justification for the expenses.
Berry Hinds
Columbus
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.