New Changes in Travel Expense Rules Approved by Abbeville City Council

New Changes in Travel Expense Rules Approved by Abbeville City Council

Abbeville — The Abbeville City Council has decided to loosen up the rules on travel expenses for its members, provided city officials are consulted about the trips. The significant change occurred following the second reading of a new ordinance that had previously set stringent regulations on city council travel.

An essential part of the updated ordinance specifies that travel to only specific meetings such as those of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC), and elected officials’ institutes would be allowed under city funding. Additionally, only basic conference packages are sanctioned for expenses covered by the city. Any other functions or extended stay beyond one night outside a 60-mile radius of Abbeville will need to be self-funded by the council members themselves. Also, no advance travel payments will be approved.

Mayor Pro Tem Chris Crawford highlighted during the council meeting on Wednesday that the MASC hosts multiple events. “How can a city official attend these functions and not benefit from new ideas or more information about grants? Why should a city official have to pay out of pocket to attend such beneficial events?” Crawford queried.

Mayor Trey Edwards offered insight into the reasons for these measures, stating, “Nobody is saying a council member can’t attend meetings. The council should be aware of such meetings in advance. We are at this point due to expenditures on previous meetings.”

The Mayor further elaborated that a committee of city council members had put together the ordinance. He raised concerns as to why the issues regarding extra meetings weren’t addressed during the first reading. “My point is, when does it stop?” Edwards emphasized, noting that the council has been trying to resolve this matter for several months.

City Manager Blake Stone added that if funds are allocated for additional meetings beyond the budget, adjustments would need to be made to the budget.

Councilman Jason Edwards made the motion to approve the amendment to the ordinance, stipulating that any extra travel outside of routine meetings must be approved in advance by the council. Mayor Edwards seconded the motion, and the ordinance was successfully passed during its second reading.

In Other Business:

• The council approved a budget with no increases in taxes or fees. The $19.3 million budget includes revenues of $5 million in the general fund, $252,700 in the hospitality tax fund, $13.1 million in the enterprise fund, and $1.0 million in the solid waste fund.
• Council salaries were set as follows: $7,442 for the mayor, $5,955 for the mayor pro tem, and $5,209 for other council members.
• The budget also includes a $150 dock inspection/encroachment fee for Lake Secession properties.
• To avoid conflicts with the anniversary of 9/11, the council’s next meeting scheduled for September 11 has been moved to September 4.

Please reach out to the council if you have any questions or need further information.