Council approved a "personal expense and travel policy" for city employees, council members, and appointed officials that addresses confusion with the previous policy and models itself on a similar policy used by the RDKB.
"All reasonable costs associated with the hotel" are covered by the policy, or $50 per night if private arrangements are made, for example at a friend's house.
Up to $80 per day may be claimed for food.
Coun. Kathy Moore said the policy "seemed pretty generous," and Coun. Hanne Smith was more direct: "I am used to travelling on no money at all and being very frugal."
She wondered if it were necessary to give "such a generous per diem if they're also getting food money."
Car allowances run at $0.52 per kilometre, and "the most cost effective method of travel" is encouraged and reimbursed.
Infractions and unnecessary expenses are not covered, nor are costs for a spouse or partner.
Despite Moore and Smith's minor reservations, council supported the policy unanimously.