§ 2-4.402. Findings.

(a)

The City takes its stewardship over the use of its limited public resources seriously.

(b)

Public resources should only be used when there is a substantial benefit to the City.

(c)

Such benefits include:

(1)

The opportunity to discuss the community's concerns with state and federal officials;

(2)

Participating in regional, state and national organizations whose activities affect the City; (3) Attending educational seminars designed to improve officials' skill and information levels; and

(4)

Promoting public service and morale by recognizing such service.

(d)

Legislative and other regional, state and federal agency business is frequently conducted over meals; sharing a meal with regional, state and federal officials is frequently the best opportunity for a more extensive, focused and uninterrupted communication about the City's policy concerns; and each meal expenditure must comply with the limits and reporting requirements of local, state and federal law.

(e)

In accordance with the requirements of Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53233.3 (Assembly Bill 1234), this policy provides guidance to elected and appointed officials on the use and expenditure of City resources, as well as the standards against which those expenditures will be measured.

(f)

This policy supplements the definition of actual and necessary expenses for purposes of state laws relating to permissible uses of public resources.

(g)

This policy also supplements the definition of necessary and reasonable expenses for purposes of federal and state income tax laws.

(h)

This policy also applies to any charges made to a City credit card or cash advance.

(Ord. 3406-C.S., effective 5-4-06)